What the Deuce is the Regency, Anyway?
January 9th, 2012 | 
Author: 
The first thing people ask me when I tell them I write historical romance novels is, “What time period?”
“The English Regency!” I exclaim.
This is often followed by a furrowed brow (on their part) and a quick reply (on my part).
“Think Jane Austen,” I clarify.
“Ah, yes. Jane Austen.” A smile and a nod.
They get it.
Well, mostly.
Those of us who are lovers of the Regency know exactly what the time period is all about, but I’ve found it can be a bit of a mystery to those who are unfamiliar. This post is an effort to clear up the confusion. Send your head-scratching friends and family a link. : )
So, what the heck is the Regency?
The Regency is the time period between February 1811 and January 1820 when George IV (then the Prince of Wales) served as the Prince Regent.
Ok, then, what’s a Prince Regent and why was George IV serving as one?
A regent is a person who serves as head of state in the stead of a still-living monarch. In this case, George III (he of American Revolutionary War fame) was incapacitated due to his madness (in truth it was porphyria, a rare blood disorder) and Parliament appointed his son as the regent or interim ruler.
How long did the Regency last and how/why did it end?
The Regency ended upon the death of poor old king (George III) whereupon George IV was coroneted as king.
What is the Regency best known for?
In addition to Miss Austen, there was Lord Byron, Mary Wollstonecraft, Beau Brummel, Lady Caroline Lamb, Hannah More, Mary Shelley and the Brownings. The Regent himself (aka Prinny) was famous not only for his weight and profligate behavior, but also his dedication to the arts and sciences including establishing the National Gallery in London, redecorating Carlton House (his primary residence) in an ostentatious manner, and, of course, building the famous Pavilion at Brighton which he pretty much single-handedly turned into a beach party town. Woot. Woot.
During the Regency there was also that little matter known as the Napoleonic wars. Admiral Nelson and his Trafalgar and the Duke of Wellington and his Waterloo. Sound familiar?
In addition, the Regency brought about daring fashions, including tight breeches, unpowdered hair, and high collars.
What’s the difference between the Regency period and the Victorian period? Or is there one?
Baby Victoria was born when the Prince Regent was nearly 60 years old. She was the daughter of Prinny’s third brother (Prince Edward). Why, you may ask, was she the next in line? Well, George IV only ever had the one daughter, Princess Charlotte, who died while giving birth to her first (and stillborn) child. After her death, George’s brothers scrambled to find wives and produce an heir. You see, George desperately hated his own wife, Princess Caroline, so much he tried to divorce her. Let’s just say another (legitimate, cough cough) child was not an option for him.
As for the difference between King George IV and Queen Victoria, well, the two were simply very different people. The Prince Regent loved drinking, eating, spending money, sleeping around, and generally having fun. Queen Victoria was devoutly religious, gave birth to nine children, and was madly in love with her husband, Albert. She ruled for over 60 years and all the while influenced fashion and society to be much more prim and proper. Vickie generally stopped the party.
So, why is the Regency period such a popular one to write about?
Well, dear readers, you tell me. Why do you think Regency stories are still so popular?
One lucky commenter will receive a copy of The Prince of Pleasure, a fascinating book about the Prince Regent himself. And as for more tidbits on the Regency, stay tuned for my next post on my favorite time period: How the Deuce was King George IV Married to Two Woman At Once?
Duchess Valerie Bowman writes Regency-set historical romance novels with a focus on sharp dialogue, engaging story lines, and heroines who take matters into their own hands!
Valerie’s debut novel, Secrets of a Wedding Night, is a racy Regency romp, coming from St. Martin’s Press 9/25/12.
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Clever and concise, Your Grace, well done! I love Regency stories because they are adult fairy tales…delightful characters, delicious clothes, and an altogether different set of social rules. Such fun! It’s amazing to see what authors can do with the same short time period…some are lighthearted and sweet, some are deeply moving and tragic…but as long as the heroine gets her happily ever after, I’m happy to keep reading!
I agree, Gillian. I love the fact there are so many types of regencies out there from sweet and fun to dark and sexy. I love them all!
Ah, yes, Duchess Gillian, I love them them for the very same reasons. And the pretty dresses! : )
Yes, we cannot forget the social rules that dictated the times. The chivalry and formal social customs. A woman knew she was being courted! Of course, I think I would have strained against many of these rules. But, they make for great story. And great romance.
Lovely description, Duchess Valerie! I wish I’d had your words last week during a party when I stumbled over my own response to this question. But I was shocked into mumbles because not only did this group of adults not know what the Regency was, but they thought the Napoleonic Wars took place after the Civil War. Mentioning Jane Austen cleared it up for the women, but only a little bit. I love the the Regency period because it was a time of social and political upheaval that encouraged people to experiment with changing the rules while at the same time trying desperately to keep things the same. And I love reading about that kind of conflict mirrored by an emotional love story!
Ha! I’ve been at the same party, many times, Duchess Sharon. I find that indicating what was going on in American history at the time is helpful too. The War of 1812 and Dolly Madison.
Well, the Napoleonic Wars did take place after the English Civil War. I know, probably not the Civil War they were talking about, ahem.
Oh my goodness, Duchess Ashlyn, I *knew* you were going to say that. ; ) (insert history nerd giggle here)
Great post, Valerie! I’ve had lots of experiences when I mention I write Regency-set romance and I’m rewarded with crickets and wide, blank stares. One time I was invited to speak for a ladies’ group and I knew many there would not be familiar with the time period so I took my Pride and Prejudice DVD set to hold up as an example, figuring surely most women would recognize that as a reference point. I was wrong, and had to spend as much time explaining who Jane Austen was as I did explaining my own books! Next time I’ll simply direct them here. Beautiful pics you’ve selected, too. It totally reminds me why I love this time period so, so much.
Oh my goodness, Susan. I *cannot* imagine not knowing Jane Austen. I literally just sat here for a moment and thought about that. Does not compute. How lucky for those ladies that you introduced them to her. Thank you for stopping by!
What did these women read in high school?
I still have my mom’s copy of P+P from when she was younger. She kept it all these years and I’m not about to let it go.
It does beg the question, does it not? What high school did they go to?
I went to a private school, and we never had to read Jane Austen in any of my English classes. Loads of Sartre, Camus and theatre of the absurd, but no Austen. As a Regency author, I hate to admit this, but I was an adult before I ever gave Jane a try. In high school, I wanted to move permanently to Middle-earth.
Duchess Ashlyn,
I wrote my senior (high school) thesis in AP English on the Brontes and Jane Austen. I should have known then that a career as a romance novelist was in my future.
I, too, was an adult before I discovered Ms. Austen. It seems all through high school and most of my college years the only material that was considered valuable for reading(according to my teachers) was modern stuff full of angst and suicide or other tragedy. I was so thrilled when a friend introduced me to P&P and assured me it was, indeed, literature and I would not be looked down upon for reading it. lol
Hmmm, Regency vs. Victorian era. I know, I write Regency, but I think both periods have their advantages. When I think of the Victorian era, I think of a packet of unsmiling, repressed folk dressed in dour colors and obsessed with death. And generally not fun. But all that repression must be aching to explode at some point, and that’s where the fun lies.
With the Regency, you have this airy feeling about the period–not just in the fashions, but in people’s general attitude. Yes, society had rules, but I get the feeling that unless you were too blatant about breaking them, you could get off with a wink and an nod more often. And who doesn’t like a Regency bad boy?
I could never write about the Victorian era, Duchess Ashlyn, because I’m am too, too fond of the word decolletage. ; )
lol. I set my debut in 1821 because of political events (it was after the Pentrich Uprising in Nottinghamshire, which was after Peterloo). Technically, it’s not a Regency, or it is ‘late Regency’ which is why I entered it in the Historical category for the Golden Heart. When I was researching the dresses, I was distressed to find the fashions were changing and not nearly so lovely (and low cut and sheer and flowing) as the early Regency. I almost changed my plot over the darn dresses.
Great post! I definitely get the confused looks when I mention what I write. Then I get the, “Is there a big market for that?” question.
*sigh*
Seems some of my family/friends might not have browsed through the romance section at B&N recently.
Oh how funny, Marnee. “Is there a big market for that?” I haven’t had that question yet but I’ll be prepared!
Duchess Sharon,
I have had this conversation too. I don’t think it helps me when I start waxing poetic about the Industrial Revolution and the chasm between the rich and the poor. My listeners eyes glaze over.
So usually I just stop at pretty dresses and aristocrats. LOL!
Well, historical romance comprises about 17% (2009 figures) of $10.27 billion romance sales (2010 figures). My calculator doesn’t go up to BILLIONS, but I think that leaves historical romance with around 600 million dollars in sales every year, of which Regency has a large share. Correct me if I’m wrong, anyone. It’s monday morning and I’ve yet to have any coffee.
I never argue with another’s math, Duchess Leigh. It’s a strict rule of mine.
Why is Regency so popular? I’m fascinated by the social mores of the time, the restrictions on women…but on the men as well. Regency is fun because the hero and heroine usually buck extreme societal rules while, by today’s standards, retaining very traditional ideals of romance, love and marriage.
It is a lovely period, Duchess Diana. Sigh.
Thanks for the primer, Valerie! Get ready to throw stale bread or something, but I never read Jane Austen in high school (or later). Lots of other classics, but not those. No one I knew read romance either, so it’s a wonder I even read Mary Stewart as a teen. In fact, it’s pretty amazing I found romance at all, really.
I have at least seen movie versions of Emma and P&P if that counts for anything.
I’m reading Emma right now because our chapter is having a Jane Austen day this month. Figured now was as good a time as any to dive in. I love Regency historicals because they offer up story lines that contemporary romances just can’t get away with. Innocent heroines, women chafing against the limited role they’re allowed in society, dashing, wealthy men with titles…
No stale bread shall be thrown, Gwen. I’m more shocked by the people who’ve never HEARD of Miss Austen, not never READ her. And Emma is my favorite!
Excellent post, Valerie!
I enjoy Regency but love indoor plumbing – thus I write Victorian time periods (grin). Recently received a review on my latest which is set in 1881 that said mine was “a classic example of a Regency…” What? Repeat that please? LOL.
Yes, Donna. That’s exactly why I included that last bit about the difference between the Regency and Victorian eras. I think many people have them confused. And LOL that indoor plumbing is the reason you write Victorians. Now we know you Victorian authors’ REAL motivations!
I also meant to say how cute I think it is that the picture of toddler Victoria has her wearing a little Regency-esque gown. Adorable, no? It’s like the baby equivalent of an empire waist. Of course she wouldn’t have been caught dead in that shocking thing later in life. Ha!
Lady Valerie, I confess I knew none of this! I adore reading regency but never paid attention to the precise year and such. I feel positively enlightened. My Jane Austen Action Figure is so proud. Thanks for sharing.
Jane Austen action figure? I think I need one of those. How does one come by such a thing?
Agreed. Must have Jane Austen action figure. Details, please, my lady.
She was a gift, and stands right next to my computer screen, perusing me in much the same condescending manner in which Mr. Darcy used on her. It’s unnerving. But I think it makes me write better….
PS – my daughter’s name is Darcy. Coincidence???
Duchess Tracy,
You have made my day. I was afraid I would be preaching to the proverbial choir with this post. I myself had read all of Judith McNaught’s books as a teenager before I understood what the Regency was about. There was a small part in Something Wonderful where Prinny actually drops by the hero’s house. It made much more sense to me later.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CIU6XG/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=10771598859&ref=pd_sl_3fkmfd1yt2_b
BTW, you too can own your very own Jane Austen Action figure. Order it from Amazon.
Here’s a link to a pic of Jane Austen action figure, but it seems to be dicontinued. I’m sure someone somewhere is selling one, though. Too bad they aren’t easy to get anymore! A few years ago I was getting them in multiples for birthdays and Christmas. I guess I should have saved them rather than re-gifted, huh? (If the link doesn’t work here, just Google “Jane Austen Action Figure”.)
http://www.amazon.com/Historical-Figures-11513-Austen-Action/dp/B000CIU6XG
Have no idea how I missed the Jane Austen action figure craze. Must find one on Jane Austen black market. Or e-bay?
Brilliant post, your grace.
For me I think the Regency is all about contrasts. Men could and were encouraged to do as they pleased, drinking, partying, *ahem* sowing their wild oats, as long as they married and produced the heir and spare, they could do as they pleased. Women on the other hand were to be the picture of propriety, obey their mother, father, husband etc, no fun.
And then their were the vast differences between classes and the rich and the poor. Lucy Worsley did an excellent documentary about the Regency for the BBC recently called Elegance and Decadence and she highlighted many of these contrasts.
Ooh, Beebs, thank you so much. I haven’t seen the Lucy Worsley documentary. *Must* see!
Ooh, I want to see this documentary as well.
Valerie Bowman,
Something tells me you will love this comic.
OMG! hahaha. ‘No wonder nobody buys your books’.
Perhaps you ladies will be able to answer a question that has perplexed me for years. I have googled it and I have asked etiquette experts and even the curators at the Jane Austen Centre in Bath. But I’ve never had a satisfactory answer.
When making calls or attending dinners, how did ladies ask to use the…facilities? Men often had commodes in the library or dining room and it was apparently quite proper to disappear behind the screen without even excusing oneself. But ladies don’t seem to have had that luxury. All I’ve been able to find out is they used the euphemism ‘to pick a daisy’. But how did they mention it to their hostesses and where did they go? Everyone holds it when necessary, but there are always going to be times when one is caught short.
I apologise for being indelicate and I am yours, etc…
Ha. Mollie, I have often wondered this exact same thing. I’ve even written it into some of my manuscripts (a lady asking to use the convenience). I agree with you, it *must* have been done but one wonders exactly how.
I wonder if Nancy Mayer knows the answer to that. Definitely worth a try.
I always wonder when and how the ladies went ‘to pick a daisy’! In my curiosity I have found that it is sometime mentioned in Scottish-set historicals, where by the ladies need to exit the carriage in the woods. Perhaps this is something only wild Scottish books can address?
I assumed the withdrawing room, but then I wonder if they had privacy screens, and what about their dresses…
Valerie Bowman,
The search for this answer has kept me entertained for 20 years.
Valerie Bowman,
Definitely well worth the watch. She even dresses up as a Regency Buck to go out on the town.
Thank you Duchess Bowman! Fascinating post. And really making me wonder why I write about the Victorian era, when the frat party that was the Regency period was clearly more fun. Inverted tap hits? Check. Sex in the closet? Check. Random kisses from guys you’ve never met. Check.
Oh wait. Did anyone else go to Virginia Tech?
Snort. Oh, Duchess Jennifer, you do make me laugh.
While I am a history fan, I never knew all the nitty gritty details of the Regency period and love that you took the time to spell them out in such a delightful way. Fabulous post, Duchess Valerie (though I expected nothing less)
Thank you, Duchess Madeline. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Susan Gee Heino,
Yes, Susan, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a book in possession of grand importance, must be in want of lightness and humor.
Love it!
Leigh LaValle,
Most excellent, Leigh! Too bad it’s so true. I wish I could tell those stuffy old professors that it was very badly done. Very badly indeed!
I write Edwardians because I need modern conveniences and women’s rights. I’m so immersed in the turn-of-the-century that when I read a Regency Historical, I have to stop myself from wondering why the desperate & impoverished heroine doesn’t get a job as a typist, or why the hero and heroine don’t get on a train! LOL
Evangeline,
I’ve been watching Downton Abbey. It’s my favorite new soap!
I’m going to print this post and keep it in my wallet. Too bad I can’t put it in an app I can download to my circle of inquirers. Thanks for the post!
Ha! Glad you enjoyed it, Angelyn. I may need to print it too, now that I think about it. Hmmm.
Duchess Valerie,
Wonderful explanation of the complicated Regency era.
I also wrote Regency and Victorian, and love them both, but Regency books holds a special fascination because men were real men, and women were ( in our romance books at least) treated like fragile flowers. I’d like to spend a year, or two, or three, being treated like that. Waited on hand and foot, dancing the nights away…sigh!
Want to meet me back in that romantic time?
Suzi
Thank you, Suzi. I would like someone to bring me breakfast in bed every morning. Sigh. We can dream, can’t we?
I think it’s one of those periods like 5th c BC Athens and the 60s where so much happened artistically and historically. In the Regency– Napoleon and the war, the Romantic poets, Gothic fiction, JMW Turner, Austen, the fashion…
Then again, there’s my “tight pants” theory of history. Any period in which the men wore tight pants will be honored in romance fiction. (Medieval? Check. Western? Check. Regency? Nuff said.)
Great summary there, and your pics are lovely. The Regent was quite the hottie for a few years!
Alicia
Hi Alicia,
Oh my goodness, your “tight pants” theory had me in stitches!
Sometimes I wish we could all be swept back to Regency times. I would miss the computer. I love Regency books. I get lost in them and forget about the world around me. Thank you for writing such wonder, wonder getaways.
Congratulations to Vona who was randomly picked to win the copy of The Prince of Pleasure!
Donna MacMeans,
Some of the wealthiest of Georgians had indoor plumbing. Granted, it wasn’t great, but it was there. There’s a cute scene in “A Catch of Consequence” (by Diana Norman) where Makepeace discovers the marvels of taps and a slightly awkward one in Emma Donoghue’s “Life Mask” where a housekeeper inexplicably opens the door to a small room with a close stool for a guest who briefly waxes relief that it’s not one of those newfangled contraptions with “cold seats” and “unpredictable flushes.”
(I say inexplicably because the housekeeper doesn’t ask if said guest needed to “retire” or any other euphemism for having a wee before joining her hostess.)