Was Waterloo Necessary?
Two hundred and nine years ago this month, Napoleon experienced his final victory at the Battle of Ligny (on June 16)…and his final defeat two
Tag: Marissa Doyle
The Butler Did It
This is another in our occasional series on servants young ladies of the upper classes would have encountered in the 19th century. We have already
A History Geek Geeks Out
You may know that I collect early nineteenth century fashion plates and other ephemera. As items to collect, these are pretty harmless. They aren’t expensive,
The Peace of Amiens, or All Major Credit Cards Accepted
It’s 1802. Great Britain and France have been at war since 1793, when the brand new French republic went on the warpath as surrounding European
No Slang Like Old Slang, Unless It’s New–Part 2
For most writers of historical fiction, the slang of the 19th century is a delight. Creative and clever, it’s fun to know and, for us,
Queen Victoria Goes to Kokomo
I’m lucky enough to be looking forward to a visit to warmer climes in the near future—when you live in the chilly north, a few
Ackermann Goes Steampunk
I’ve posted some examples of unusual furniture from prints published in Ackermann’s Repository before, but I thought these prints were especially interesting. Yes, they’re early
Mom, Sort of
If you were a member of the aristocratic or gentry classes in the 19th century, it was almost a given you’d have two (or more)
Fobbed Off?
Charm bracelets have been in fashion for decades, right up until the present day; girls (and women!) still seem to love them. But in the
Winter Wonderland
Once upon a time (well, before 1831), two interesting facts were true: London Bridge was located somewhat further downstream on the Thames than it is
BVC Eats: Popovers
I’m drawing up my grocery shopping list for my family’s Christmas dinner (it’s not much more than a week away—eek!) We always have a roast
There’s Tea, and Then There’s Tea
Ah, tea…that most English of meals…but which meal is it? Well, that kind of depends. Tea was introduced in England as early as 1635 but
The Great Silence
In a few days we will observe Veterans Day in the U.S….but we’re not the only country to observe a holiday. This year marks the