In Jane Austen’s writing we encounter many military men: Colonel Brandon, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Captain and General Tilney, Lieutenants Wickham and Denny. In her tales we often read of how these men purchased their commissions, but what was the motivation for doing so and how did the process work?   Being an officer made you a gentleman  In the Regency era, social status was closely related to career and wealth. An Army officer or Navy officer … Continue reading →