Ladies

What did life look like for gentlewomen in the Regency? Look into all things related to Regency Ladies.

Courtship and Marriage in Jane Austen’s World

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The Book of Common Prayer (1662) made clear why (and why not) a couple should marry: (Marriage) is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men’s carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.  First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, … Continue reading →

Men have Swords Women have Fans

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  “Men have the sword, women have the fan and the fan is probably as effective a weapon!” –Joseph Addison For centuries fans have appeared in paintings as the quintessential fashion accessory. They are so ubiquitous they call for a closer examination. Makers of fans Originating with the guilds of Europe, City Livery Companies have existed in London for over one thousand years. These companies had the power to set wages, train apprentices, and control … Continue reading →

Improving upon Nature: Beauty Training in the Regency Era

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  Beauty Training Improving upon nature   With so much at stake, success in the marriage mart not the least consideration, suggestions abounded as to how a young woman might improve her natural beauty. Recommendations were not dissimilar to those we see today, including medicinal options, diet, exercise and cosmeseutical preparations. Medicinal Preparations The digestive system was seen as the source of a great many ills. Those seeking a beautiful form were cautioned to attend … Continue reading →

To be an Accomplished Lady

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To Be an Accomplished Lady During the Regency era, a proper education was crucial to a middle or upper class young lady’s future. Since a woman’s only ‘proper’ aspiration was to marriage, her education focused on making her noticeable to potential husbands. Her accomplishments enabled her to display cultural distinction and set herself apart from women who were merely ‘notable’—those who could only manage a household but not cultivate elegant socializing.   The number of … Continue reading →

Defining beauty in the Regency era

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Nicolas Andry (1743) suggested that deformity, suggested that polite society should shun anything ‘shocking’, like visible impairments which might threaten virtuous interactions. Moreover, individuals who permitted, by their neglect, their bodies to become ‘ugly’ offended both society and God’s intentions.  Thus, ‘orthopaedic’ intervention to restore the proper aesthetics to the body was an act of social and moral responsibility. Causes and preventions of deformity Experts concluded that preventing deformity was preferable (and easier) than curing … Continue reading →

Mistress of the manor: Lady of leisure or Full time working mom?

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Mistress of the manor: Full time working mom or Lady of leisure? Period dramas have left many of us with the notion that ladies of the landed gentry in the Regency era had little to do but dress in lovely gowns, embroider and gossip.  Reality could not be farther from this image. In general, both master and mistress of the manor did a great deal of work around the estate, often working alongside the servants in … Continue reading →