Regency Life

Fascinating details about life in Regency Era England.

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 →

Christmas Celebrations as Jane Austen Knew Them

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It’s tempting to imagine a young Jane Austen celebrating Christmas around a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts with her siblings, maybe going house to house caroling for the neighbors.  However, that image depicts a Victorian Christmas, not a Regency era one. Christmastide celebrations at the tail-end of the Georgian era were very different. How different? Christmas trees were uncommon. Gifts were not a main focus of festivities. Most events were adult oriented, with children often consigned … Continue reading →

Know your phaeton from your curricle

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I was delighted to be invited to offer Random Bits of Fascination part of my talk on Travel in Jane Austen’s time. My research came about through my own curiosity of the modes of transport Jane Austen gave her characters in the novels. Transport in Jane Austen’s time mostly revolved around one’s own two legs or the four legs of a horse or donkey. Sedan chairs were still in use but were much less popular although … 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 →

Gentlemen in the Regency Era

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Of Social Class,  Gentlemen and the Gentlemanly Professions The nuances of social class and what makes a gentleman a gentleman remains a perennial source of confusion for Austenesque and Regency readers. How these men provided a livelihood for themselves and their families proves even more bewildering as some gentlemen had a profession, others did not, some were wealthy and some could find themselves in very dire straits. Of Gentlemen and the Gentry Social class was … 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 →

Vicars, Curates and Church Livings

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Vicars, Curates and Church Livings I must confess, trying to understand the Regency clergy just about drove me over the edge. References didn’t answer my questions, then they would contradict one another. I thought I’d pull my hair out. Nancy Mayer at Nancy Mayer-Regency Researcher came to my rescue and straightened out so much of  my confusion. Thank you, Nancy! Please, take time and check out her wonderful site. Jane Austen often wrote of clergymen … Continue reading →