The Top 5 of May

It's time for our regular countdown of the month just gone, and there's a free short story on offer too!

Princess Seraphina, Drag Queen, Goes to Court
Meet Princess Seraphina, the first Georgian drag queen, and claim your free vampire short story! 

The Coronation Feast of George IV 
What did it take to feed a greedy king? An eye-watering list of delicacies awaits...

An American in Nottingham: Writing Robin Hood at Nottingham Castle
Char Newcomb visits my hometown and meets Robin Hood!

A Real Georgian Merman
Discover a little 18th century folklore... 

The Top 5 of February

As February draws to a close, settle back with a cuppa and enjoy the most popular posts of the month just gone!

Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Napoleon’s Smart Sister
Join Shannon Selin for a look at another member of Napoleon's family!

Caroline of Brunswick: Gothic Heroine
Hannah Moss tells the tale of a real life, regal Gothic heroine...

Magic, Witches & Devils at The John Rylands Library
News of a fantastic new exhibition in Manchester.

Prostitution and the Law in the Long 18th Century
Bliss Bennet dips into some scandalous history!

Jane and the Waterloo Map 
Jane Austen turns detective in this new tale by Stephanie Barron.

The Top 5 of January

As we gad into February, it’s time to settle with a cup of tea and take a look back at the most popular posts for the months just gone!

The History of the Lorgnette

Mimi Matthews takes a look at a very useful accessory for fashionable ladies!

What’s Under That? The Plaid, Kilt and Tartan in Georgian England

A trip north of the border with Alicia Quigely to discover the truth about tartan!

Byron, Berkeley and Mrs Bunn

Join Rosy Cole and tread the scandalous boards…

The Itch Exposed

A cheeky tale of bottoms from Suzan Lauder!

A Brontë Treasury

Don’t miss this fantastic new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.

Welcome to 2016!

Happy 2016 to one and all!

This year promises to be an eventful one here at the salon; as well as new blogs from both my good self and my splendid guests, 2016 will also see the release of my book, Life in the Georgian Court, from Pen and Sword Books, and I hope to bring you more exciting news in the next few months.

For now though, let’s welcome the new year by a look at the most popular posts of 2015 in no particular order…

An Evening with Jane Austen

News of a wonderful theatrical endeavour with none other than the duplicitous Mr Wickham himself!

The King’s Palaces

Laura Purcell is your guide to the palaces of George III.

A Digest of George III

A collection of tales of this well-loved monarch.

Fashionable Fabrics in Jane Austen’s Day

Sue Wilkes delves into the world of Regency fashion.

A Gallery of Hogarth

Enjoy some works by a Georgian master…

A Festive Digest

Today the salon doors close until 5th January 2016; this year has truly been a wonderful one here at the salon; thank you to all of you who have read, shared, encouraged, written and made keeping the salon enriching, rewarding and just so much fun.

Do have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year; enjoy the Christmas-themed posts below and I shall see you anon!

Farmer Giles's establishment: Christmas 1816 by William Heath

Learn the fascinating tale of the premiere of Silent Night!

What were Christmas celebrations in the Regency period?

A recipe for Georgian Christmas cake...

Try some 18th century Christmas recipes!

The Top 5 of November

As Christmas draws ever closer, it's time for a look back at the most popular posts of November; as ever, in no particular order!

Christmas in the Regency
How was Christmas celebrated in the Regency?

German Sausages and Flying Ambulances
A look at battlefield medicine with Sarah Mallory...

The Horrible Murder of Count and Countess d’Antraigues
Naomi Clifford takes a look at murder most foul...

A Report of Bigamy
A cheeky judge gives his ruling... 

Modern Day Fiction from Historical Fact
How does historical fact inspire modern day author, Terry Tyler?

A Bumper Salon Digest

The salon has welcomed so many guests recently that it's been a while since I presented a digest of the latest posts; much to enjoy in this bumper edition!

A Gallery of William Hogarth
Enjoy some wonderful artworks!

Nosferatu: A Review
A Gothic night at the theatre... 

The Noisy Ghost of Poplar
A mischevious spook torments the locals...

The Unthinkable Triangle
Joana Starnes discusses her latest Austen variation!

A Tangled Matrimonial Mess!
Bigamy and scandal from Huddersfield!

For Halloween: Ghosts, Highwaymen and the Terrible Tyburn Tree
A collection of terrifying tales...

The Birthday of Marie Antoinette
From childhood to the scaffold, a collection of queenly posts.

Darkness and Light: A Review
A Gothic day out in Manchester...

Modern Day Fiction from Historical Fact
Terry Tyler discusses how the past inspires her creativity!

A Report of Bigamy
A cheeky judge hears a scandalous case...

The Horrible Murder of Count and Countess d’Antraigues
Naomi Clifford delves into a murderous mystery.

Boats, Barges & Sledges: Gadding about Abroad
Take to the road with Lucinda Brant.

A Slice of Regency Christmas Cake!
A tasty post from Sasha Cottman.

German Sausages and Flying Ambulances!
Sarah Mallory lifts the lid on Napoleonic medicine.

Mr Foote's Other Leg
A night at the Haymarket!

Christmas in the Regency
A look at some Regency traditions...

A Book of Cookery, by a Lady

A tasty post from Kimberly Walters...

 

Jane Austen Lives Again

Meer Jane's gadabout cousin, with Jane Odiwe!

The Top Five of October

As we drift happily into a misty November, let's look back at the top five posts of October!

I am gadding off for a long weekend of theatre and fun, so the salon doors will be closed until 11th November. However, you'll still find plenty of glorious Georgian history on my Twitter and Facebook pages!

Napoleon's Exorbitant Expense Account
Lally Brown lifts the lid on what it really cost to live like an (ex) emperor. 

Lord and Lady Grange; Or, Why It Is a Great Pity the 18th Century Never Got Around to Inventing Reality TV
A society marriage goes horribly wrong in this post from  Undine!

Helen Maria Williams: a lost reputation in defence of liberty
Sarah Agnew takes us on a trip to Revolutionary France in the company of a remarkable woman.

A Ghost at Bermondsey
The ghost of a murder victim terrorises London! 

An Evening with Jane Austen
Ever wondered how Mr Wickham (aka Adrian Lukis) would handle Darcy's first proposal... then this video is for you!

The Birthday of Marie Antoinette

Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna (Vienna, Austria, 2nd November 1755 - Paris, France, 16th October 1793)

On this day in 1755, Marie Antoinette was born. The late queen crops up many times in my forthcoming book, Life in the Georgian Court and I thought this would be a fine opportunity to look back on the posts in which she has featured.

I hope you will enjoy this gad into the queenly archives! 

The Queen's Possessions

Marie Antoinette's Fauteuil de Toilette

The queen's very own make up chair!

Marie Antoinette Playing the Harp

A painting depicts the young dauphine in her musical element. and read more about the magnificent harp that the queen adored.

A Fragment of Gown

All that remains of a magnificent dress...

The Slippers of a Queen

And the dainty shoes that might have accompanied it...

A Scandalous Portrait

A picture of the queen in her lingerie causes a sensation!

The Queen's Marriage and Family

Maximilien Robespierre Welcomes Louis XVI
What happened when a young Robespierre waited in the rain to greet the king and queen...

A Parisian Fireworks Disaster
When a crowd gathered to celebrate the marriage of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, terrible tragedy struck.

The Marriage of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI
A happy day for the Dauphin and Archduchess.

"She would have been my friend"
The short life of a royal princess.

The Queen's Death

My Blood Alone Remains
The final hours in the life of Marie Antoinette

The Queen's Last Journey
An iconic sketch by a master of Revolutionary propaganda.

Marie Antoinette's Prayer Book

A poignant memorial to the late queen's children, written in her final hours. 

Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.

Pen and Sword
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Book Depository (free worldwide shipping)

The Salon Digest

This week we gazed at the stars, heard a grisly tale from Ireland and took a poignant trip to Trafalgar... it's the salon digest!

A Spoon, a Devil and Terrible Fate for a Tongue
From the newspapers of 1824... this is not a tale for the faint of heart or sensitive of stomach!

A Letter from Trafalgar 
A poignant missive from a sailmaker at Trafalgar...

Ad Astra
Suzanne Adair is your guide to astronomy in the 18th century...

A Bumper Salon Digest

It's been so busy here at the salon these past two weeks that we've barely had time to catch our breath, so let's ease ourselves into the new week with a dumper salon digest...

An Evening with Jane Austen
News of a wonderful new theatrical venture starring Adrian Lukis, aka Mr Wickham, and Caroline Langrishe. As a little extra, the link above features a video of Mr Wickham giving Mr Darcy's first proposal!

Byron, Rebellion, and the Greeks! 
Caroline Warfield goes roaming with the infamous poet.

A Ghost at Bermondsey
A murdered woman returns to wreak havoc...

Murder on the Thames... or was it?
Liz Lloyd investigates a seemingly terrible murder...

Darkness and Light: Exploring the Gothic
News of a fantastic exhibition in Manchester.

Helen Maria Williams: a lost reputation in defence of liberty 
Sarah Agnew visits revolutionary France in the company of a remarkable woman.

Lord and Lady Grange; Or, Why It Is a Great Pity the 18th Century Never Got Around to Inventing Reality TV
Undine tells the tale of a society marriage gone horribly, horribly wrong.

Napoleon's Exorbitant Expense Account
What did it really cost to live like an emperor? Lally Brown reveals all...

A Digest of Marie Antoinette
On the digest of the late queen's death, we follow her through the salon and all the way to the scaffold!

The Top 5 of September

As we move into October, one of my favourite months, it's time to take a look back over the top five posts of the month just gone, in no particular order!

A Headless Spectre Robs a Rectory
The not-so chilling tale of an enterprising thief!

The Princess and the (Nearly) Naked Life Guards
Scandal in Hyde Park as the Princess of Wales almost gets an eyeful...

The Little Ice Age and Fashion
Alicia Quigley takes us on a fashionable diversion.

Regency Travel
Join Rachel Knowles for a look at transport in the Regency. 

A Regency Pudding!
Enjoy a tasty pud with Sasha Cottman!

The Salon Digest

As I gad south for the weekend, do enjoy the posts of the week just passed!

A Headless Spectre Robs a Rectory!
A tale of Georgian terror...

Marie Sallé in London 
Corrina Connor takes a turn on the ballet stage... 

Handel and the English
Sheena Vernon delves into the composer's run-in with the tabloids and his regal friends!

Folklore Thursday
News of a little folkloric something!

The Salon Digest

The nights are drawing in so settle with a cup of something warm and enjoy the salon digest!

Les Caractères de la Danse
Corrina Connor is your host in part one of a two part series looking at the world of dance.

The Princess and the (Nearly) Naked Life Guards
An outraged letter to the editor in 1808 tells of some naked chaps running amok in Hyde Park!

The Making of How to Skin a Lion
Claire Cock-Starkey lifts the lid on researching and writing for the British Library!

The Salon Digest

Two giveaways, a weekend away and a wonderful new way to share the books you love... it's the salon digest!

The Stamford Georgia Festival
Find out what's happening this year...

Regency Travel
Take a trip with Rachel Knowles and win her new novel!

The Little Ice Age and Fashion
Alicia Quigley lifts the lid of fashion and there's a giveaway too... 

What's a Book Worth
If you love books (and who doesn't?), this is the post for you!

Georgian Outings, Puddings and Freemasons!

I'm off to Godmersham this weekend to enjoy Adrian Lukis and Caroline Langrishe hosting an An Evening with Jane Austen, so the doors of the salon will be closed until 8th September. However, I hope you will enjoy this bounty of Georgian treasures from the week just passed, as well as some 18th century dates for your diary.

An Evening with Jane Austen
Join Adrian Lukis of Pride and Prejudice fame and Sharpe's Caroline Langrishe at Godermersham for an evening of Jane Austen on 6th September... you can say hello to me too if you're so inclined!
Book here

The Georgian Dining Academy
Enjoy an evening like no other with Miss Kitty Pridden and Miss B on 17th September. 18th century dining and entertainment in the heart of 21st century London with the capital's finest Georgian ladies!
Book here

A Fascinating History of Theatre Scandal and Fashion
Adrian Teal and Jillian Drujon are your hosts on 13th September for an afternoon of gin, theatrical scandal and fascinator-making, plus a chance to peep into Dr Johnson's private chambers!
Book here

The Jane Austen Festival
Find out what's happening at the 2015 Festival in Bath...

A Regency Pudding
Sasha Cottman bakes up a tasty Regency treat...

Of Kings, Myths and Masons – European Nobility and Freemasonry
Martin Otto Braun digs into the fascinating relationship between Freemasonry and nobility.

A Bumper Salon Digest

The salon has welcomed so many guests recently that it's been a while since I presented a digest of the latest posts; since I'm gadding about this weekend, enjoy this bumper digest and I shall see you next week!

An Evening with Jane Austen
Join Adrian Lukis of Pride and Prejudice fame and Sharpe's Caroline Langrishe at Godermersham for an evening of Jane Austen... you can say hello to me too if you're so inclined!

A Jewel in Paris
Join Shannon Donnelly for a tour of the Tuileries! 

Princely Debts and a Wealth of Resources
Charlotte Frost takes a trip to the archives with the profligate George IV...

Choose Your Own Adventure... 18th Century Style!
Elyse Huntington chooses her own adventure... 18th century style! 

"You are female; I won't say woman"
Dr Sara Read unveils the remarkable letters between an Irish bishop and his daughter.  

The English Pudding - or Comfort Foods of the British Isles
A tasty dessert course from Becca St John! 

Lead Mining Corruption, Bribery and Murder
A shocking tale of murder from Ayr Bray...

The Regency Sex Trade
Jude Knight looks at the sex industry in the Regency.

The Jane Austen Festival
What's on offer in Bath this year?

The Salon Digest

As I head for a theatrical jaunt to London, do enjoy a look back at the week just passed!

Music Monday: François-Hippolyte Barthélémon
Some relaxing melodies to soothe!

1759 - The Wonderful Year
A year of victories from the pen of Antoine Vanner.

A Modern Girl’s Guide to Historical Living
Join Miranda Reading for a turn around the garden!

Tragedy Personified
Sarah Siddons plays Lady Macbeth.

The Salon Digest

I am off for a theatrical jaunt to London this weekend, but I hope you will find something in the selection below to entertain!

Give a Man a Good Ship and He Can Do Extraordinary Things
The seafaring Katherine Bone takes us aboard HMS Victory.

Alessandro Besozzi, Oboist
The beautiful music of an Italian master...

Bounce: The Devoted Great Dane of Alexander Pope
Mimi Matthews shares a tale of one man and his dog.

A Salon Digest

As summer flies past, settle back with a cup of tea and enjoy the the bountiful delights of the week just passed!

Musical Monday: Beethoven by Request
Some wonderful music to lull you into the week...

The Tropes of Regency Romance
Jeanna Ellsworth shares a feast of romantic fiction tropes!

Jane Austen at School: "I Could Have Died of Laughter"
Lisa Pliscou lifts the lid on Jane's school days...

The Great Plague of Marseilles
Geri Walton takes us back to a terrible time in French history...

A Lighter Side Of The Peninsular Campaign
A different angle on a famed campaign from Joana Starnes...