The Georgian Index

I have gone to this website several times for information and it hasn't failed me yet. Wonderful collection of Georgian resources. In particular, I like the section on London streets, parks, and gardens, and businesses. It's wonderful for research.

The Georgian Index

And the Bride Wore...hmmmm

So I am near to the portion of my story where the hero and heroine are going to get married. I've been researching the topic online and boy, there are a lot of conflicting statements. One thing to avoid, I found, are wedding sites. I'm not sure where they get their info, but they all seem to conflict with each other. But here are a couple I found pretty handy for an English wedding.

Marriage in the 18th Century talks a bit about the concept of marriage in the era. Later on through the pages it does get into specifics. The second site, The English Bride is a breezy, easily-read site that is fun and informative.

The one thing I cannot find is the place of the wedding ring. They were considered essential in Church of England marriage, but there seems to be some indecision if they were part of the ceremony or given sometime afterward. A little thing, really, but I wish I had a concrete answer. If anyone has a source, let me know.

Maps of London

I've recently started a historical which takes place in mid-18th century London, so I should be posting a few links as I go along in my research.

My heroine recently had to travel from her semi-fashionable neighborhood to Seven Dials and from Seven Dials to Fleet Street. My hero had to go from Fleet Street to the riverfront.

I like to "see" where my characters are going on a map. Luckily, there are several maps online. Here are a couple that I've used for this WIP:

LONDON, WESTMINSTER AND SOUTHWARK BY JOHN ROCQUE 1746. This is a wonderfully detailed map, maybe a little too detailed. If you know the street you are looking for, this will take you right to it. However, it is a little tougher to trace your steps.

Greenwood's Map of London 1827 is a little later than the period, but it is easier to use and most of the main streets hadn't changed. I had an easier time tracing my characters' routes.

Spying in the Revolutionary War

In grad school, I took a class on the American Revolution and loved it. I even wanted to pursue my MA in this direction. Unfortunately, we didn't have any specialists in this field, so I had to choose something else. But I hope to dig into my books again someday and write a novel set during this time period.

And as I love espionage, I found this terrific link.

http://cia.gov/cia/publications/warindep/intro.shtml

Happy Bastille Day!!!

Today France celebrates it's National Day. Felicitations!!!

Teresa

[Currently listening to: Book of Days - Enya - Shepherd Moons (02:56)]

La Couturiere Parisienne

I've changed computers so much lately I'm having a hard time finding all of my bookmarks. They have been scattered to the wind. I've been searching for this one and wanted to share it. La Couturiere Parisienne is a wonderful site where the author has used art to illustrate fashion. I have given the bookmark for the section on the 1700's but the site encompasses much more. Make sure you read her guided tours on fashion. Really an enjoyable site.

A cool post over at Early Modern Notes

This is really interesting, with lots of good links:

Social History of Early Modern Costume

From Sharon's main page I linked to Carnivalesque - a history blog carnival. Don't visit unless you have plenty of time to spare!!

Teresa

Yesterday's Purchases

At a second-hand store in Kingston, I found three great books:

The French Revolution and the Poor by Alan Forrest
The Days of the French Revolution by Christopher Hibbert (this one has a really good glossary)
Culture and Society in France 1789-1848 by FWJ Hemmings

Could have bought a lot more, but I had to behave *g*.

Teresa