I confess, I’ve written a Regency historical novel. And upon my word, I am quite determined to master this era!
The Rules
There are many strict societal rules that one’s character must know, maintain and behave accordingly. If one’s character behaves inappropriately for the era, that character must have a well-established motivation. The Regency fashion, dialogue, and customs govern the structure of a Regency novel. Therefore, much research and knowledge must go into writing one.
What is the Regency Era?
The specific Regency period is considered to be a short time frame between 1811 – 1820, in the United Kingdom when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son was instated to be his proxy as Prince Regent. However, many consider the era to be much larger between 1795 – 1837, especially if one considers the Regency Era a transitional period between the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Online Regency Resources
I wanted to share a few online resources that I have found very helpful in writing my Regency. I’ve included the title of the website or webpage, the link, and a brief description.
Please note: I cannot vouch for the accuracy of every detail on these websites. Please make sure you find at least three resources to back up a reference and use your own judgment.
Candice Hern’s Regency World – https://candicehern.com/regency-world – A great resource of Regency information from a author who writes many Regency based novels.
Christian Regency – http://www.christianregency.com – Several links to Regency information on various topics and owned by Author Vanessa Riley.
Jane Austen Today – http://janitesonthejames.blogspot.com/ – A blog that explores Regency period author, Jane Austen, as we see her today in movies, prints, sequels, websites and other modern media. It delves into other historical periods as well.
Jane Austen’s World – http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/ – A blog that strives to bring to life Jane Austen’s novels and the Regency Period through food, dress, social customs, and other 19th century historical details.
The Beau Monde – http://www.thebeaumonde.com/ – A writing group for writers who write Regencies. One must be a member of Romance Writers of America, since this is an RWA chapter.
Fashions in Time – http://www.fashionsintime.com/html/regency.html – Lady’s costume fashions in the Regency era. You can order your own costume fashions to be made for your measurements and size.
Nancy Mayer, Regency Researcher – http://www.regencyresearcher.com – Links and resources from a Regency author who has been researching the period for a number of years.
Old Book Art – http://www.oldbookart.com – Historical images that are now out of copyright and in the public domain.
Prints Old & Rare – Fox Hunting – http://www.printsoldandrare.com/foxhunting – Historical prints and images of fox hunting scenes.
Susanne Dietze’s Regency Research Links – https://www.susannedietze.com/regency-research-links.html – Includes categories of peerage, time and place, amusements, fashion, church, marriage, mourning, Parliament and politics, children and education, home and garden, currency and commerce.
Regency Lingo – https://regrom.com/regency-lingo – Common used phrases and terms used in the Regency era on the Regency Reader blog.
Regency Yuletide – https://regencyyuletide.blogspot.com – The Definitive Guide to Christmas in Regency England with quotes, recipes, and games to reveal what Christmas was like during the time of Jane Austen. Remember the “holy” in holiday, and let poets and songwriters from the past enliven your experience today.