Writer – Author – Historian
Before we proceed to the subject of horse riding, there is an important matter of vulgarity which must be urgently addressed. And while this matter has nothing to do with the business of actually riding a horse, it is nevertheless of the utmost importance. It cannot be overlooked. So, although this is perhaps not the …
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In the management of any respectable Victorian household, neatness, tidiness, good taste and economy all have their place. However, a home should not just be a warm place to sit by the fire, but a place which warms the heart as well. While that might perhaps sound a little too quaint, and while some might …
Continue reading "Social Success: Five Hints on Victorian Household Management (Part Three)"
After our first foray in to the world of proper pronunciation for Victorian ladies and gentleman, it seems that a second consideration of this weighty matter would not go amiss. After all, it is very important that a lady or gentleman not only looks the part, or acts the part, but also sounds the part. …
Continue reading "Social Success: A Victorian Guide to Proper Pronunciation (Part Two)"
Money is one of those often fraught and unfortunate matters which it sometimes seems impossible to escape. After all, how many times has it pitched up its tent in the centre of this concern or that quarrel? It is perhaps a rather beastly subject with which to grapple. Some might wish we could do away …
Continue reading "Social Success: A Gentleman’s Guide To Fortune"
In this fourth part in our collection of advice for the aspiring Victorian lady or gentleman, we shall turn our attention to behaviour whilst ‘out and about’. And, we shall take our guidance from our dear American cousins. Correct behaviour in the daily undertakings of life is as important as correct behaviour at the grandest …
Continue reading "Social Success: Five Pieces Of Victorian Etiquette (Part Four)"
In this most recent five-point guide to proper etiquette, we take the display of accomplishments as our theme. It has often been remarked that young ladies are now more accomplished than ever before. We are taught to dance and sing and play and paint and embroider and the list goes on... But all of these …
Continue reading "Social Success: Five Pieces Of Regency Etiquette (Part Five)"
The title of this piece, while hoping to be vaguely amusing, is not in any way intended to disparage men. Men and women are equally possessed of the ability to embody many amiable qualities and laudable virtues. Indeed, if all of us were as amiable and virtuous as we perhaps ought to be, then no …
One of the central tasks carried out by the mistress of an establishment is the management of its social calendar. This is no small task, and not one to be undertaken lightly. It entails many duties, from paying calls to securing invitations. A particularly perilous task is to be found in the hosting of a …
Continue reading "Social Success: Five Hints on Victorian Household Management (Part Two)"
Perhaps it might make more sense to begin by advising you how to spend your evening at home, rather than abroad. But parties are infinitely more fun, as a general rule, and so we shall begin this way. We shall get around to cosy, homely evenings in due course. So, imagine the scene. You have …
Continue reading "Social Success: How To Spend Your Regency Evening After A Dinner Party"
The art of paying and returning calls is a subject we will most certainly return to again and again. Calls are, after all, absolutely instrumental to the development of an active, productive and (we hope) happy social life. If you stop engaging in calls, you will soon find that your circle of acquaintance shrinks and …
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