James Mill, considered one of the best philosophical minds of the Regency era, was born on 6 April 1773. He was one of the founders and most ardent proponents of philosophic radicalism and was one of the key writers that helped steer Regency liberal politicians towards fighting to guarantee the freedom of the press and… Read more James Mill: Liberal Philosopher and Racist Asshat
It is nearly impossible to overstate the influence of Napoleon Bonaparte on European and British politics and culture during the Regency period. The British upper-class, terrified after the French Revolution and by the onslaught of attempted democracies, had stirred up the average Briton against the ‘forces of Godless anarchy’ and had been at war off… Read more Napoleon’s First Abdication on 4 April 1814
March 25 is one of the quarter days that once marked the English year, called Lady Day (Our Lady’s Day) after the Virgin Mary. It was a very important in the Middle Ages, and was considered New Year’s Day for centuries (although New Year’s presents were typically given on the 1st of January, that was… Read more Happy New Year, AKA Lady Day, AKA 25 March!
Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig, the future King of Prussia and first German Emperor, was born on 22 March 1797 in Berlin to Prince Frederick William and Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Wilhelm was a second son, and was steered toward a career in the military since he wasn’t expected to inherit the Prussian throne. The young Wilhelm took… Read more King Wilhelm I of Prussia, First Ruler of a Unified Germany
Most people have heard of Byron, Coleridge, and Wordsworth … but the now lesser-known Robert Southey used to be among them as England’s foremost poets. Southey died on 21 March 1843, which brought him to mind today. During his life he was one of the most influential writers of the Regency period, and was Poet… Read more Robert Southey, Poet Laureate 1813-1843
When America began its war for independence, the Native Americas were as divided as those Americans descended from Europeans. The peoples known as the Delaware tribes (the Munsee– and Unami-speaking Lenni Lenape) were spilt almost 50/50 between supporting the British and supporting the Colonists. Some Lenape decided to take up arms against the American colonials… Read more Genocidal Acts on American Soil: The Gnadenhutten massacre
I am in a bit of a quandary. Wither do I dither, you may ask? You see, it is International Women’s Day, many women are on strike for A Day Without Women, and there are too many things I want to blog about on this topic. On the one hand, I could blog about Jane… Read more International Women’s Day and Squirrels
I really, really enjoyed this book – plus I learned a lot of really interesting things about Tudor art and symbology! In 1572, the good looking and talented Nicholas Hillyarde paints the first of many portraits of Elizabeth I, England’s “Virgin Queen”. His ability to capture the likeness of his patrons make him famous and… Read more The Truth of the Line by Melanie Taylor
Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk, 3rd Marquess of Dorset wasn’t a bad man. He was a rather typical specimen of the ruthlessly self-interested and ambitious Tudor courtiers and not actively evil or anything. To the contrary, he was a zealously devote Protestant, although there is often a fine line between the actions of a… Read more Henry Grey Gets What’s Coming to Him
Edward VI was only 9 years old when he was crowned King of England on 20 February 1547. The day before the actual ceremony he was dressed in gem-encrusted white velvet and cape with sable fur and rode through London, allowing his subjects to see him and cheer for him. The royal procession stopped multiple… Read more Edward VI becomes King of England