Regency History

It's too early! Preparing for the Festive Season in Jane Austen's time

It feels like Christmas preparation starts earlier every year -- but does it? Our blog editor Ellen explores how Christmas preparations went down in Jane Austen's time.

Back to school in Jane Austen's England

It's back to school season here in England. But what might school have looked like in Jane Austen's day? Our blog editor Ellen White explores.

Gretna Green's Proud History of Scandal

What it meant to "Go to Scotland"

English Bluebells

As spring starts to awaken and banish the winter cold, we thought it uplifting to have a look at the history of bluebells in England, just as they get ready to flower. For centuries, bluebells ha...

The Harp-Lute: A Regency Lady's Instrument

As we approach that time of year when romance is especially in the air, we thought it only fitting to take a look at the history behind one of the most romantic instruments to exist, the harp. In ...

A Georgian Dolls House

Every now and again, we like to have a little look through the collection held at The Victoria and Albert, for there are so many treasures. The online catalogue, featured on their website, is a pa...

The Harp as a Status Symbol

What playing and owning a harp told Society

Shopping In Georgian Britain

The eighteenth century really marked the start of consumer culture in Britain, with the middle class and their purchase power growing. Now with the means to purchase more luxurious goods, the middl...

A Short Look At Teacups In Britain

Tea cups were first introduced in Britain around the time of George IV and were imported from China by the East India Company, who profited hugely from their monopolies on tea imported to Britain i...

A Short History Of The Puzzle

A look into the history of jigsaw puzzles, or as they were first known, 'dissected puzzles'.

Younger Sons in Jane Austen’s England

This guest article is written by Rory Muir - a visiting research fellow at the University of Adelaide and a renowned expert on British history. You can buy a signed copy of his book, Gentleman of U...

No. 1, Bath Street and Mary Smith

On Thursday 8 August 1799, Jane Austen’s aunt, Jane Leigh Perrot, visited the Haberdashery Warehouse at Number 1 Bath Street, near or opposite the King’s Bath. She bought some black lace and was ac...