Read like it’s 1805

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In 1805, Britain stands under constant threat of a French invasion. Napoleon has assembled his invasion force – Armée d’Angleterre – at Boulogne-sur-Mer in Northern France, ready to strike. Additionally, the French and Spanish fleets combine to take control of the English Channel. In Britain, about 252,000 men are part of the regular and voluntary military forces. The numbers employed by the Royal Navy expands from 36,000 in 1793 to 120,000 in 1805. After a flurry of British diplomatic missions Austria and Russia join Britain against France. The victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in October gives Britain fresh hope, though the country loses its greatest naval hero. What can you read to distract the mind in a period of tension and uncertainty?

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Dolls as toys and as mirror of fashion

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Dolls have always been around. As a marketable toy for children, they became more and more elaborate in the 18th century. Dolls for the wealthy were elegantly dressed, including ruffles, panniers, rich lace and tiny shoes with buckles. True ambassadors of fashion were the so-called Pandora dolls, early mini-mannequins used by dressmakers to send their designs to customers.

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Historical Fashion and Fancy Dresses in Nativity Scenes of the 18th century

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No, neither Jane Austen nor the Duke of Wellington ever owned a nativity scene. These charming displays were very much a Catholic tradition, flourishing in 18th-century Italy, Spain, Austria and Germany. British Protestants, on the other hand, tended to raise an eyebrow at such things. Nevertheless, British diplomats, statesmen and aristocrats on their Grand Tour would see nativity scenes while staying on the Continent. Travelling through Catholic Europe, they encountered an unexpected passion among the courts: collecting nativity figurines. In Italy and Spain, this was considered a royal pastime. Princesses and court ladies even contributed hand-made trinkets and exquisite little dresses for the figurines.

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Transcript of 1777 Travel Diary in Search of a Historian or Author!

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Are you a historian, author, or student interested in an 18th-century project? The transcript of a diary chronicling a sea voyage from Copenhagen to Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) in 1777 might be just the project for you. The trancsript is written in German, and available for free. For more information, application and further procedure, please read on.

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How to Counterfeit Champagne and Other Tricks of ‘Wine-Brewers’

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It’s 1814, and we find ourselves in a hidden cellar on a dark backstreet in the less noble parts of London. This is the domain of a ‘wine-brewer’, the artist among food forgers. ‘Wine-brewers’ possess many talents: they can give an immature red wine more astringency, render cloudy white wine transparent, and even conjure a Bordeaux from sloe berries. One might be tempted to admire their craft, were it not for the fact that some of their ingredients are unappetising, or even dangerous to the health and lives of unsuspecting consumers.

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The informal gentleman

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When 18th century-people wore clothes that were called “undress”, it did not mean anything … incident. “Undress” was the word for informal fashion, something worn at home. However, “undress” in the time of Jane Austen was much more formal than today’s informal fashion is. The famous “banyan” – a morning gown for men – cannot be compared to a convenient jogging suit or a bathrobe. The banyan was an exquisite piece for gentlemen, proving their taste and wealth. It was perfectly fine for a host to receive friends and business partners when wearing a banyan.

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How to cheat at Whist in the 18th century

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Gaming table in a country house. Would you have dared to play Whist with strangers?

Whist was one of the most popular card games in Georgian England. It began its career as a plain game for common men. With the rise of the coffee houses in London, the gentry picked up the game. Reputedly it was Lord Folkestone who brought the game into fashion in high society around 1728, when he adopted it as a challenging strategic card game requiring good memory, sympathetic partnering and psychological acumen.

The rules of Whist were written down in Edward Hoyle’s “ A short treatise on the game of whist” in 1742. As early as this, methods of cheating were discussed. While Hoyle advocated fair play, the stakes at Whist could be high, and thus tempt many to force luck their way. Besides, cheating at whist is very easy. Continue reading →

A True Luxury Product: The Dress Pistol of the Napoleonic Era

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Imagine you are a statesman of a country allied to Napoleonic France. Napoleon is visiting, and you are having a warm and welcoming chat. Your chances are very high that he will present you with a beautiful, ornate, expensive dress pistol to honour your loyalty. Napoleon liked gifting his allies as well as his best military men with such superb arms, and they were true luxury gifts. They were made by one of the most sought-after arms makers of the age at a specialised workshop at Versailles: Nicolas-Noël Boutet. Have a look at a beautiful example here:

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Checkmate! Where to learn and play chess as a time traveller in 18th-century Britain

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Good news for the time travelling Chess Enthusiast to Georgian England: The game is played by men and women alike. Napoleon, e.g., played chess in his youth, at college, and indeed all this life. The second half of the 18th century even saw the game becoming increasingly popular, with some coffee houses offering their rooms as locations for chess lessons with famous players. Also, the first chess club was founded. Find out here where you can play a decent game of chess or improve your skills from the 1770s – 1820.

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