Society Figures

Emma Hamilton

Emma Hamilton

Emma Hamilton Emma Hamilton was perhaps best known for being the mistress of Lord Horatio Nelson. She was lampooned by the press and decried f...

Has Lord Elgin Lost His Marbles?

Lord Elgin is most famous for the Greek Parthenon statues which he moved and sold to the British Museum- marble statues which continue to provide c...

Alexandre de La Reynière: Father of the table

One of France's first food critics

Jonas Hanway: A Man with a Plan

Jonas Hanway (August 12, 1712 – September 5, 1786), English traveller and philanthropist, was born at Portsmouth, on the south coast of England...

Horatio Nelson

Britain's most glorious Admiral

Elizabeth Fry: Prison Reformer

The woman who changed the face of Prison

Spencer Perceval: One of Britain's forgotten Prime-Ministers

Spencer Perceval: One of Britain's forgotten Prime-Ministers Although Jane Austen does not mention it in her published letters, indeed she rarely ...

Account of Joseph Paisley: 'The Celebrated Gretna Green Parson'

Account of Joseph Paisley: 'The Celebrated Gretna Green Parson' "MY DEAR HARRIET, You will laugh when you know where I am gone, and I cannot help...

Princess Caraboo from the Island of Javasu

She turned up in Gloucestershire in 1817, claiming to be Princess Caraboo from the island of Javasu - saying she had been kidnapped by pirates ...

Gentleman John Jackson and Daniel Mendoza: Heavy Hitters of Regency Boxing

John Jackson "Gentleman" John Jackson (28 September 1769 – 7 October 1845) was a celebrated pugilist of the late 18th century. He won the titl...

The Patronesses of Almack's: The Arbiters of London Respectability

The Patronesses of Almack's: The Arbiters of London Respectability Almack's Assembly Rooms was governed by a select committee of the most influent...

Louis XVI: Last King of France

Louis XVI, born Louis-Auguste de France (23 August 1754 – 21 January 1793) ruled as King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then as...

Marie Antoinette: Last Queen of France

Born at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Maria Antonia was the daughter of Francis Stephen and Empress Maria Theresa; she was described as "a small, ...