Regency History

What is May Day? The holiday weekend in Jane Austen's time

Our blog editor, Ellen, explores the history of May Day, looks at how it was observed in Jane Austen's time, and considers what we can learn about our culture through the changing face of the holid...

It's too early! Preparing a typical Jane Austen Christmas

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.

God Save the...Prince Regent? Jane Austen and the Royal Family

With the coronation on the horizon, blog editor Ellen takes a closer look at Jane Austen's relationship with royalty.

Irish, I Dare Say: Ireland in Jane Austen Novels

Jane Austen's love affair with Great Britain and Ireland

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

Frost Fairs: A Festive Celebration

Frost on the River Thames, Samuel Collings (1788) On several occasions, it has been so cold here in Britain during the winter that the River Thames has frozen over. Between 1309 and 1814, it i...

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...