Mrs Jennings – Sense and Sensibility and Willoughby’s Return

I love the character of Mrs Jennings in Sense and Sensibility. She can be relied upon to make the most unsuitable remarks and have our heroines Marianne and Elinor simultaneously fuming with indignation and blushing with embarrassment as the old lady teases them mercilessly. Mrs Jennings is a busybody with a good heart, anxious now [...]

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Jane Austen, pockets and ridicules

Because Regency dresses were on the whole elongated and close fitting, the reticule, ridicule or pocket came into its own.
From the Times 1799: Every fashionable fair carries her purse in her work-bag… the new custom of carrying a bag with her handkerchief, smelling-bottle, purse etc..
Jane Austen used pockets and ridicules for secret correspondences, often used [...]

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The Assembly Rooms at Lyme!

Here I am standing in front of the spot where the former Assembly Rooms at Lyme stood. Very sadly, they were demolished in 1927 to make way for the car park – a move I am not sure I shall ever forgive the council of the time for making. Fortunately, we have a lovely description [...]

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Eloping with Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham!

If we are lucky, August is a time for holidays! In Regency times Brighton was a very popular and fashionable destination. Lydia is thrilled when she is invited by her friend Harriet to accompany the regiment to the seaside. Romances ‘abroad’ were just as likely then as they are now – Lydia falls hook, line [...]

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On Weddings and Anniversaries!

Tomorrow is a very special day for me – my silver wedding anniversary! I thought it might be fun to post a few of Jane Austen’s comments on the married state. As for me, 25 years have just flown by – I am so fortunate to have met and married and spent 25 years with [...]

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Vagabond at Bush Hall!

Just found these on Youtube for all you Vagabond fans. What an incredible evening – the loyal Vagafans were queueing in the torrential rain when we arrived last night, but nothing dampened their spirits. A fab night of great music – the boys gave their all! I think it just might have been the [...]

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Prior Park – a Beautiful Palladian Bridge

When I go to Bath I love to go to Prior Park – we usually walk from the city centre climbing ever higher with the occasional stop to take in the surroundings. You don’t have to go far before you feel as if you are almost in countryside.
There are lovely walks here and spectacular views [...]

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