Quick Facts for the Regency Reader
The true Regency Period spanned from 1811-1820 when mad King George III was no longer fit to rule England, and his son, the prince, took over the reign of the country. This new ruler was called the Prince Regent.
Regency-set novels sometimes include the first quarter of nineteenth century England, an age primed with conflict and intrigue. During much of this time, the country was at war with Napoleon. Soldiers were fighting on the battlefield while many lords and ladies attended balls and soirées to their hearts’ content. Rules of etiquette played an important role in Polite Society. Travel was adventurous, to say the least. Moreover, economic and social tensions pressed in from all sides. Clothing played a major part with both sexes, identifying position in the various tiers of society. Speech distinguished the education and position in society as well.
COMMON REGENCY WORDS
Almack's - an exclusive club for those on the marriage mart, especially young ladies looking for an eligible suitor
Boney - a nickname for Napoleon Bonaparte
Peers of the Realm (from highest to lowest rank) - nobility below that of a prince, Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, Baron
Prinny - a nickname for the Prince Regent
The Season (The London Season) - the fashionable time for the fashionable world, springtime in London when Parliament sat
Ton, Polite Society, High Society, Polite World, Beau monde - fashionable society, high-born members of society
Town - London
