Christmastide in the Age of Austen - Second Chance for tickets!

As Mrs. Leach's Academy is like other lady tutors of this age in her home, she requires a day or two to transform her common parlour into a venue suitable for the reception of her respected patrons, fore knowledge of numbers an imperative. The tickets she thus issues for entry are made available up until this preparation time.

Not assured of the attendance of sufficient numbers prior to preparations for today's meeting (which might otherwise allow the entertainments planned for the gathering to proceed), it must sadly be cancelled.

However, since having to take this regretful decision, she has received enquires expressing interest in attending the event, and has consequently rescheduled the talk for the evening (7-8.3 pm) of Wednesday 20 December, 2017. 

This provides time to reinstate the materials dismantled and returned to those kind enough to loan artefacts of interest, once cancellation was deemed necessary.

Tickets are available from the same box office as previously, here. To keep abreast with information on this talk, see the Facebook page, or follow her Tweets.

She hopes that this new date and time suits interested parties, who she looks forward to seeing next week.

Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’ Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols & Festive Fare' - Poster / Flyer

For those who care to share, here is an event poster / flyer (A5) for the Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’ Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols & Festive Fare'

Mrs. Leach Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’ Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols & Festive Fare

*PLEASE NOTE EDIT: the next event is planned to take place on 20 Dec. 2017, 7 - 8.30 pm, at Mrs. Leach's establishment in Derby. 

As my most-loved time in all the year, I am exceedingly pleased to be able to provide an event that revels in the beliefs of customs Christmases past: 'Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’ Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols & Festive Fare'.

I hope that this seasonal offering will become an annual tradition in itself; this year's December talk  - which forms part of the series of events that I intend to hold until summer 2018, concentrating on the time in which Britain's favourite female author lived and died, as part of the Bicentenary commemorations - will focus on the 'Age of Austen'

Centring on the 1770s - 1810s, the Christmastide talk considers celebrations before those of the Victorian period, with which many today are more familiar. In order to explore continuities (some of which have evolved into modern-day practices) and change (resulting in the loss of once popular customs), I will also include information about the two decade's between Jane Austen's death, and the start of Queen Victoria's reign, thus examining the late Georgian & Regency eras more fully, and including an array of attractive and intriguing material. 

I shall approach the topic through a number of themes to over-view attitudes, beliefs, and customs of the time surrounding Christmas past and present, using Jane Austen's work, and early biographies; a range of written and audio sources and images, including diaries and letters, newspapers & magazines, literature, poetry, and music; prints & art; and - of course, from an archaeological perspective - various aspects of material culture. This array of sources will pay particular attention to Derby, Derbyshire, and the East Midlands. 

The themes begin with 'Ancient Origins & Antiquarian 'Inventions'. This will touch upon pre-Roman, Classical, Medieval and Early Modern traditions, by considering Antiquarian interest in and '(re-)envisioning' of Christmas customs in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It will explore concerns of the 'Austen Age' that Christmas and other ancient English customs were under threat, considering how this related to war, urbanisation, and industrialisation, and  measures taken to preserve 'olde' ways. (This will integrate my own ongoing research into the effects of Antiquarianism upon ritual and belief in the past).

The second theme, 'Festive Families and Community Care', will explore Christmas trade and travel, briefly considering commerce, holidays, and transportation - notably that popular seasonal motif: coach travel; and the most significant factor of the Victorian (and subsequent) Christmas: the family. It will also touch upon faith and belief; and explore charity and gift-giving at Christmas time.

The final theme - 'Festive Food, Fun, and Games' - will look at seasonal amusements & pastimes, including the theatre, community entertainments, and domestic traditions, such as card-playing and party games. No exploration of Christmas would be complete without a foray into food and drink, which will conclude the talk, considering recipes of the day, and how food and drink was integrated with the Christmas calendar, and customs.

The event will be held in the 'common parlour' of the 'Academy', which (though limiting the number of available places)[1] enables the creation of a cosy 'atmosphere', through colour and candlelight, fabrics and furniture (& possibly firelight!),[2] and material culture and costume. I will as usual (in the guise of Mrs. Leach) be clothed in period dress - and 'Academy pupils' garbed in their own Regency- and late Georgian-style attire will be welcome!

Tickets cost £3.50 pp (purchases online accruing an additional Eventbrite fees of 87p), and may be obtained online by clicking this link; the 'Buy Tickets' button bellow; the 'Register' buttons at the top right of the webpage, or by using the form at the end of this post.

Update: Early Bird offer has now expired, but there's a discount of £1 for those who attend in Regency costume! Enter the promo code Costume_Concession

Tickets may also be obtained on request by email: antiquarianacademy@gmail.com, or text: 07903 237953 (Paypal); or by post: Lymehurst, 1 West Park Rd., Derby, DE22 1GG (cheque & SAE).

For more information, see the Eventbrite page; Facebook event page; Twitter: @LadyAntiquary; or by text, email, or post.

It would be great to know if readers are interested in this event - even if unable to attend (so that I might better plan this and future events), using website comments, Twitter, Facebook; or email. 

I hope to see some readers at the event! 

Powered by Eventbrite

Notes

[1] A minimum number of places need to be filled for the event to proceed.

[2] Should conditions be suitable.

Mrs. Leach's Academy - One Year On!

In preparing for the next event (a very brief & preliminary information on which may be found in the previous post, here), I realise that one year has passed since my first post  - and effectively launched this blog, and the ‘Academy’. 

A lot has happened since that time, and I have learned much from, and in all immensely enjoyed, my endeavours. This has included exhibitions on material culture of the late Georgian eras, and preparations for two forthcoming talks: ‘Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’: Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols and Festive Fare’ (Sat. 16 Dec. 2017) & ‘Ghosts of Christmas Past: Late Georgian Death, Ritual and Belief’ (Fri 5 Jan. 2018), more on which I will post over the next few weeks.

Most of my research time has been (& will continue to be) taken up by reading historical & archaeological works (including many dry reports) relating to the topics I study and teach. But it also includes research at archives & museums, and on private collections; and visits to, and surveys & recording of, archaeological sites (mainly domestic buildings & graveyards as part of the community & public projects that I run, some images of which I have placed online – as an aide memoir, as much as for public interest).[i] In addition, I spend much time sourcing, procuring, and producing display material; and labours include numerous yards, fathoms, poles & chains (perhaps even miles?!) of sewing, in making period costumes for events.[ii] At present, completed garments comprise two caps; one ‘chemise’ (night-gown-like garment worn beneath stays) & one ‘chemisette’ (a blouse-like garment worn above stays & beneath the gown); one pair of stays (a corset-like garment); a 1790s cotton / sateen chemise day-dress (a gown with a gathered bodice); a 1810s printed cotton ‘apron-front’ dress (a gown with a drop-front bodice); an 1800s ‘cross-over’ cotton / sateen mourning dress.[iii]

Although I have learned from mistakes, as well as successes, I still have one major regret: that work on the events over the last 12 months has allowed little time to write. This has precluded academic publications, as well as limiting blogging – and, I anticipate, is unlikely to change any time soon, bearing in mind the talks & tours I am currently planning.[iv] But I hope to at least continue to provide updates, with some snippets of research, and reports on preparations, whenever possible.

I look forward to another year of ‘Academy’ life, and (as always) to seeing readers at future events!

---

[i] This includes displays on the various project & other websites (Living in the Past; PSP; Malefic Midlands; Notes of an Antiquary) I run; and on photo-sharing sites, primarily on Flickr (Mrs. Leach; Notes of an Antiquary).

[ii] A ‘day in the life of’ Mrs. Leach seems to have slipped into the work patterns adopted during my 11-year employment in doctoral studies, and tends to be divided into various tasks, around which those troublesome requirements of eating & sleeping must be accommodated. I consequently tend to reserve the often (though certainly not always) pleasant occupation of needlework for evenings (between daily data research & educational planning: c. 8am – c. 5pm; early evening preparation of teaching session materials: c. 5-8 pm; & nighttime background reading research: c. 10 – 12pm), to make indulgence in that dreadful modern habit of ‘watching TV’ more productive. However, ‘when possible’ is necessarily appended to this time-table due to various ailments & disabilities (I am, it must be admitted, quite an old woman, and medical provisions are not what they should be...)

[iii] Garments also in progress include another chemise & chemisette; another pair of stays; several hats and caps; two pairs of leather slippers & silk gloves; a velvet ‘spencer’ jacket & ‘pelise’ coat; ‘embellishments’ and fastenings to add to the morning gown; and other sundries.

[iv] Although a co-authored short piece regarding that stalwart archaeologist of the early - mid 20^th century, Mortimer Wheeler, in WWI, is about to be published here. Information on this work will soon be placed on Academia research profile, should anyone be interested in this topic.

Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’ Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols & Festive Fare

Christmas is coming to town!!

Mrs. Leach is pleased to announce her next event - Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’ Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols and Festive Fare!

For now, here’s an outline – more to come soon...

Join Georgian lady antiquary Mrs. Leach to discover Christmas customs, traditions, and pastimes of the late 1700s and early 1800s, and revive Regency revelries, rituals, and recipes for this feast of festivities fun games! 

As part of a series of events that commemorate the 200-year anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, Georgian lady antiquary Mrs. Leach explores entertainments, beliefs, and rites of the late Georgian and Regency Christmastide.

Through a range of local, regional, & broader material, including literary works, letters, and early biographies of Britain’s best-loved female author; and informed by ongoing original research; discover seasonal celebrations of the ‘Austen Age’.

Find out how rapid urban and industrial expansion; improvements in travel and trade; and enlightenment learning and thought affected views of Christmas past, and transformed traditions. Uncover long forgotten festivities, and the origins of observances that developed through the Victorian era, and remain familiar today.

Saturday 16 Dec. 2017, 3.30 - 5.00 pm, At the ‘Antiquarian Academy’, Derby 

Tickets: Early Bird £3 p.p. / Standard £3.50 (Plus Eventbrite fee - 84p- for online purchases) - only a few tickets available (minimum number of tickets need to be sold for the event to proceed). 

For more information or to order, see: the Facebook event page; Eventbrite page; or contact: (by post:) 1 West Park Rd., Derby, DE22 1GG; (Text:) 07903 237953; or (email) antiquarianacademy@gmail.com 

True Tales from the Grave: Death & Burial in the 'Age of Austen' Halloween Talk

Mrs. Leach is pleased to announce her next educational event - for Halloween: True Tales from the Grave: Death & Burial in the 'Age of Austen'. This was initially intended as a tour of graveyards in Derby's Cathedral Quarter, although bureaucratic delays (as explained in a previous post) have necessitated alternative arrangements. 

The event will now be held at Mrs. Leach's establishment on 2nd November (All Soul's Night) 2017, 7-8.30 pm. It will take the form of a light-hearted (though at times dark) talk, which integrates evidence from and discussion of the graveyards hitherto intended as sites of interest that the tour party would visit, alongside other material. As now to be held indoors, there is opportunity to incorporate a wider range of sources - including more lovely Georgian prints, and a guest appearance from Mrs. Leach's bony inanimate friend, Morty Skelton.

As part of a series of events that commemorate the bicentenary of Jane Austen's death, True Tales will explore how people dealt with death in the time of Britain's favourite female author. Mrs. Leach will draw upon her antiquarian studies of funerary and mortuary customs and beliefs in Derby and beyond, to follow the fates of  those whose earthly endeavours came to an end in the late 1700s and early 1800s. 

Using local and wider archaeological and other historical evidence, she will meander through miasmas and medicine, to touch upon causes of death and experiences of dying, and – in this age of elegance – investigate how industrialisation and urbanisation gave rise to grisly graveyards. 

Contemplating corpses and crypts unearthed and evacuated in constructing new edifices for the living, and analysing an array of documents and illustrations exhumed from the archives - as well as a multitude of monuments that survive in the graveyards still present day, she will consider what bereavement, bodies and burials may tell us of beliefs in the Regency era, making occasional forays into superstitions and supernatural realms.

Through remnants of remembrance, and commemorative collections, Mrs. Leach will muse on mourning, mementos, and memorials. She will follow such sad sentiments by mulling over means of medical discovery, investigating how the search for scientific knowledge lead to gruesome treatment of human remains.  

As might be anticipated, a strong constitution might be required! The talk is therefore unsuitable for children, although on parental / guardian guidance, young persons over the age of 15 may attend if accompanied by a responsible adult (usual ticket prices apply).

Entry is by ticket purchased in advance. Only a small number of places are available for this select soiree - so if interested, it is advisable to purchase a ticket ASAP. The event may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of tickets are sold; in such a case, ticket sales will be refunded. 

Tickets are available online through the Eventbrite - on the Eventbrite event page, the form below, or by clicking the orange button to the right of the blog page. Entry costs £4 pp. plus the Eventbrite administrative fee (84 p: total cost = £4.84 - I have lowered the original ticket price to allow for this fee). 

Alternatively, or for more information, please contact me (providing name and contact details) - preferably by email or phone: antiquarianacademy [at] gmail [dot com]; 07903 237953; or by post via at the Academy (1 West Park Road, Derby, DE22 1GG); this blog or the Academy Website; or send a message via Facebook or Twitter. 

*PLEASE NOTE: TICKETS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE*

...But why not come along to the follow-on talk, planned for the close of the Christmas season in early January: Ghosts of Christmas Past: Late Georgian Death, Ritual and Belief?! 

More on this event soon...

'True Tales from the Grave in the Age of Austen' - Mrs. Leach in limbo

Antiquarian Administration & Bureaucracy Behind the Scenes

More than three weeks has passed since the 'Material Worlds of Jane Austen' exhibition, and I had hoped that, by now, I would have been able to provide more information on, advertise, and offer tickets, for my next proposed event - 'True Tales from the Grave in the Age of Austen' (working title), which I intend to hold around Halloween.

The prospective format of this event was / is a guided tour around some of Derby's urban burial sites (specifically in the 'Cathedral Quarter), to explore death and burial in the Regency era, to be held 5-6 pm, Sat. 28th October.

Here's a (draft) summary, that (subject to editing) will accompany some of the promotional material:

To mark the bicentenary of Jane Austen’s death, join Georgian lady antiquarian Mrs. Leach on her tour of the Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, to find out how people dealt with death in the Regency era.
While visiting the sites of several ‘lost’ burial grounds, and ancient churchyards still in existence today, she will explore death, disposal, and remembrance in the late 1700s and early 1800s, through local and wider archaeological evidence, and other historical sources.

Discover how industrialisation and urbanisation; limited medical knowledge – and attempts to improve understanding; and even political circumstances, gave rise to grisly graveyards, and gruesome treatment of human remains – far removed from the elegant environs and sentimental society now commonly associated with the time. But we will also consider the care and affection shown by previous generations to the dying and deceased, in such trying conditions.

Generally, on publicly accessible land, permission is not required for the sort educational events that I (& other educators) lead, and the activities that groups might undertake (i.e. taking a few people to look at features on historical sites), though the leader of such expeditions might, by way of courtesy, notify the landowner of their intentions. So I contacted the administrator of the only site I intend to visit that I know not to be public land, and they very kindly, warmly, and quickly granted permission.

Regarding public land - with regard to my event, pavements, verges, and another piece of open urban land administered by local authorities: over the years that I've taught in Adult Education (since 2000), I've never heard of educators seeking permission from governing bodies, nor of other tour-leaders that I have known taking the trouble to do so.

But I have vague recollections - when previously looking into the prospect of holding a Christmas walk & talk on a local park (last year? a few years ago?) - of encountering online information provided by DCC that those wishing to carry out community activities on a council-managed park should first contact the council, suggesting they do so 4 weeks before the event (though the links I bookmarked are broken, and I can no longer find this information).

In searching for this information while recently preparing the Halloween event, I came across information provided by community groups, mentioning that some LA's required notification by organisers intending to conduct group / community activities on public land (though this was principally with regard to 'licensable' activities, such as selling alcohol).

Conducting tours as a freelance educator for the first time (& so without the weight of the WEA or a University employer behind me), I though I'd better err on the side of caution, & contacted the Local Authority a few days after the exhibition, to enquire whether permission is required for me to take (a) small group(s) on Council-owned land (initially in the town centre).

I await a response (though I have since made further contact by phone, to be assured that my enquiry is being, or will soon be, considered). The delay is understandable for what I expect are understaffed & overworked offices - and I am informed that 'Derby Fest' kept everyone pretty busy over the last few weeks.

In the meantime, I'm holding off advertisement & ticket sales, just in case, for some reason, I'm not granted permission; if conditions are imposed that further delay permission; or if administrative or other charges are imposed - which would make tours untenable, due to the small number of 'tourists' I might most safely and effectively guide, and the low ticket prices. So I feel a little in limbo at present (a topical state that I'll briefly discuss when considering ritual and belief during the talk / tour!).

Due to the potential for such an outcome, and bearing in mind that time is pressing on, I'm looking into putting on an alternative (but similar) event at the 'Academy', either as an 'armchair' tour of the sites I intended to cover, or a more general talk on Regency death and burial in Derby (and beyond) that incorporates at least some of the material I would have included on the guided tour.

Those attending events at the 'Academy' have opportunities to handle original and reproduction 18th and 19th century artefacts, and see fabulous caricatures and illustrations from the period, as well as hearing about some of the, at times, grisly, at others, tender, experiences, surrounding death and burial in the late Georgian period. Costume can be more interesting, and I may be able to get together some suitably spectacular material culture!

While most of the Cathedral Quarter tour requires daylight (albeit, I plan, to conclude at dusk) - and so must be held at the weekend (and consequently not coinciding with a day in the Halloween season), the alternative can be held 'after dark' (making atmospheric use of candle-light!)- 7-8 pm seeming most suitable, and on a day in the Halloween festival. 'All Soul's Day' (November 2nd) seems appropriate.

If I do run an 'Academy' event instead of a tour, unfortunately numbers will be further limited (as those who attended the exhibition might anticipate) - so the soiree would be particularly select! And I shall hopefully be able to offer a guided tour next year (probably considering a slightly wider time-frame), when the bureaucracy has been surmounted.

I shall provide more information ASAP (via the mailing list; on this blog, & the Academy website; via Twitter & the Facebook Page, and posters etc.; those on the mailing list will be first to receive the news, and have first refusal on tickets - to join, email antiquarianacademy [at] gmail [dot] com), and I hope to see readers at the event, whether housebound, or on Derby's streets!  

After the Exhibition

Well, now that the Heritage Open Days exhibition, the Material Worlds of Jane Austen, had passed relatively smoothly into history, I may allow myself to breathe a sigh of relief! I was gratified with such a turn out - and to meet so many interesting people, with whom it was a pleasure to speak. I very much enjoyed both preparations for the event, and the occasion. 

The artist currently in residence at the Academy was unable to capture an image of the event (numbers precluding such an endeavour), though he intends to produce an illustrative record of the displays that might be accessed in that magical realm I believe to be known as the 'world wide web'. 

If any visitors did themselves make a visual record of the event, I would most appreciate copies! 

Much encouraged by responses received, I shall continue with my plans to hold Halloween and Christmas events, at which I very much hope to meet again visitors to the exhibition. I will provide further information and updates through the usual channels: this ephemeral medium (through the blog and dedicated pages); Twitter; and Facebook; as well as posters and leaflets, as soon as I am able to confirm plans.

Many thanks to those who supported and attended the exhibition.

'Material Worlds of Jane Austen' Exhibition - a Peek at Preparations

Despite some cross-over of material between the recent Festival of Archaeology 'Archaeology of the Austen Age' exhibition, and the forthcoming Heritage Open Days event, 'Material Worlds of Jane Austen' (Sun. 10 Sept., 6.30-8.30pm, Derby), there's been much to do over the intervening weeks - and still more to finish.

Developments include various improvements to the 'set' to enhance 'atmosphere' (such as installation of new lighting); acquisition of many new Georgian artefacts (such as tea kettle & coffee pot, and punch bowls), and other period sources (having found more illustrations to enrich the existing collection), for display; and clothing alterations (I have obtained more appropriate footwear, and completed modifications to my chemisette, though have yet to complete amendments to my gown, to make it more suitable for cooler weather).

My reader may glimpse through the keyhole to witness these busy beginnings by visiting this site.

Goodbye, for now!

Material Worlds of Jane Austen Exhibition: 10 Sept., 6.30-8.30 pm, Derby

Just a quick post to announce another upcoming exhibition by Mrs. Leach that explores material culture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries as part of her Jane Austen bicentenary celebrations: The Material Worlds of Jane Austen.

This free-entry 'pop-up' exhibition will take place as part of this year's Heritage Open Day events, on Saturday 10th September, 6.30-8.30 pm.

In addition to the material presented in the previous Archaeology of the 'Austen Age' exhibition (held as part of the 2017 CBA Festival of Archaeology) - which included a wide range of household objects, illustrations, and written sources of the period (in particular considering Derby and Derbyshire in the late Georgian era), the Material Worlds exhibition will display information on Jane Austen's homes, family domestic artefacts, and her burial.

As before, visitors will be able to handle artefacts dating to the late 1700s - early 1800s, and there will be activities that provide opportunities for archaeological analysis.

The exhibition will feature some of the materials, and examine various topics, that Mrs. Leach intends to incorporate within talks, tours, and workshops focusing on everyday life in and around Derby during this period, to be held over the following year (October 2017 - July 2018). 

The topics that will be considered in events that are currently under development are: for Halloween, Death and Burial; on the run-up to Christmas, Yuletide Customs; Love and Marriage, for Valentine's Day; for Mother's Day, Motherhood and Family Life; at Whitsun, a Summer Picnic, on Tourism and Antiquarianism; and in July, for the 2018 Festival of Archaeology (TBC), an Archaeological Detective Adventure. 

Participation in the above events will be by pre-booked ticket only (on a first-come-first-serve basis). Depending on venues (TBC), maximum numbers will be 8 - 15 persons, and minimum numbers 3-8 participants.  To be sure of a place, and to ensure that these events will go ahead, please contact Mrs. Leach ASAP to express interest; to book at ticket (it is anticipated that tickets will cost between £5-25 each, again depending on venue, and on whether the event includes a meal, refreshments, and / or souvenir booklets etc.); or for more information.

Mrs. Leach looks forward to seeing readers at these events.

'Austen Age' Archaeology Exhibition: Parking Guidance & Location Map

Academy Opening: Archaeology of the 'Austen Age' Exhibition - CBA Festival of Archaeology Free Event

Well, it has been a while since my last communication!

I have been extremely busy preparing for the Academy opening next month (I hope to post illustrations regarding this event soon). Although preparations continue a pace, I feel a great need for a brief respite from my labours, to revive my body and gather my thoughts – and I might as well chat as sit in silence!   

I shall put an advertisement in the local press (which, in my time, is the Derby Mercury), alerting prospective patrons to the commencement of Academy services. What do you think – shall this suffice?

The Academy will open with a small public exhibition, held between the hours of two and four o’clock, in the afternoon of Saturday 15 July (I shall elucidate a little further below; in the meantime, here is a copy of the handbill that publicises the event, for your appraisal). 

Unfortunately, I shall have to request that patrons leave their carriages a short walk’s distance from the Academy, as resident’s vehicles congest the narrow roads. Restrictions are already in place (due to the propensity of students at a nearby higher educational establishment to avoid paying the parking fee imposed by their institution), and carriages not displaying permits might feel the force of the local constable. I shall provide a plan of the location of nearby road-side standing for vehicles (no charge at the weekends) anon.

I must also note that there are no public sanitary facilities; and that hand-vehicles, such as perambulator, may find it difficult to circumnavigate the confined rooms of my abode, or be daunted by the shallow step into the property. But I shall endeavour to aid those with mobility difficulties, for whom (by prior arrangement) I may be able to locate standing for one small carriage closer to my establishment.

The exhibition not only launches the Academy, but takes place as part of the annual Council for British Archaeology Festival of Archaeology (as described in the pages of their virtual book – known as a ‘website’, I believe; I can only imagine that some kind of alchemy – or witchcraft – has brought about this baffling medium).

I shall now say a little more on the exhibition. This July we mark a notable anniversary of the passing of that talented authoress, Jane Austen, and over the following year, I shall commemorate her life with talks, walks, and workshops that explore the material culture and other attributes of her time. The exhibition introduces some of the material I will discuss during these events, using extracts from her novels and letters, and from early biographies, to consider a number of topics to illuminate everyday experiences in the late 1700s and early 1800s, from a Derbyshire perspective. For your perusal, I have prepared manuscripts containing further information:

But  I  must  now  return  to  my  labours,  and  ask  that  you  might  call  another time to see how the Academy progresses.

                                             Yours, &c., &c., Mrs. Leach

Drawing Lots for Love! St. Valentine's Day Traditions.

e

Love is certainly in the air at Lymehurst Cottage (home of the Academy)!

In preparation for several salons and soirées on love and marriage that I aim to present (and perhaps host at the Academy), I have for some time been delving deep into romance during the ‘long eighteenth century’ (with regard to my work, usually covering the late 17^th - early 19^th centuries). I will perhaps provide one or two of these events in summer this year (those that concentrate upon the Regency period); and others (those on the Georgian Era more generally) at around this time next year.

These events will investigate a variety of topics relating to love and marriage in these eras – with particular regard to Derby and the surrounding area – examining a range of sources (including archaeological evidence and artefact collections; art and illustrations; print culture and newspapers; novels and poems; advice manuals; memoirs and diaries). In exploring attitudes towards love and marriage, they will consider the social, cultural, economic, and political settings of changing opinions and behaviour; and what material remains tell us something about how people expressed and felt romantic affection in the past. Events held on and / or around Saint Valentine’s Day will look at associated traditions of the day.

As today is Valentine’s Day, I shall provide a very brief a preview of work-in-progress. I am inevitably drawn to antiquarian interest, so present a topical excerpt from an eighteenth century theological (hagiographic) work. I follow this with something a little more down to earth: late eighteenth-century newspaper correspondence regarding the tradition of prospective suitors drawing lots for their Valentine!

*

In his Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints (published in the late 1750s), English Catholic priest Alban Butler (1710-1773) refers to early 17th century Swiss Valentine customs while writing of Saint Francis of Sales, Bishop of Geneva:[i]

He [Francis of Sales] severely forbade the custom of Valentines or giving boys, in writing, the names of girls to be admired and attended on by them; and, to abolish it, he changed it into giving billets with the names of certain saints for them to honor and imitate in a particular manner.

In the Derby Mercury newspaper, we read of traditions that seem to indicate continuing secular development of such 'Valentines' after the 17th century, in the form of drawing lots; clearly, not everyone agreed with perpetuating this 'ancient custom'!:

 

Derby Mercury, 7 March 1782 (above); 20 March 1782 (below)

As with other ostensibly ‘ancient’ customs (e.g., see the Halloween post), I cannot but ponder the extent to which antiquarian pursuits influenced the ‘revival’ of this practice – a topic that I continue to investigate. However, in this case the latter newspaper correspondent does not appear to be familiar with the move from secular (romantic) to ecclesiastical (saintly veneration) ‘billets’ in the early modern period referred to within Rev. Butler’s work.

I will again here return to the theme of love & marriage; but for now, I must return to the archives.

y

 Notes

[i] Alban Butler & Bernard Kelly (Ed.) n.d. The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints, Vol. I. London: Virtue & Company Ltd., p.125.

Journal: January 17th (Old Twelfth Day)

The Christmas season not only provides an antiquarian treasury; it is my favourite time of year. And even by the old calendar (according to which I might celebrate Twelfth Day Eve tonight), I must, with a sigh, admit that it is finally once more at an end. Perhaps few are aware of the mid eighteenth-century calendrical transformations that allow such a contrived extension of festivities?!

Some (mostly, but not only, in the South-West) do still keep up ‘Old Twelvy’ traditions, by Wassailing orchards on January 17th. But I regret that such celebrations are now a minority pastime; and I expect that many would now see resistance to the transition from the Julian to Gregorian Calendar in 1752 through such observances as merely superstitious opposition to change.

The 'loss' of eleven days was surely most unsettling: we might imagine how many today would react to the prospect of retiring to bed on September 2nd, and arising the next day on September 14th!

How might we now also respond to a corresponding transference of New Year’s Day to another date in the calendar? Transmission of the turning year from March 25th, to January 1st, clearly caused more perplexity for contemporaries, than it continues does for modern-day historians (resulting in the need to convert ‘old dates’ – o.d. – into ‘new’ – n.d.; the requirement to add a year to those that fall between Jan. 1st and Mar. 25th before the change can be most confusing)!

I look forward to finding further comments and incidents relating to this episode in English history, with particular regard to Derby and the County. Hitherto, I have encountered only occasional references to this change within the local newspaper, the Derby Mercury.[i] But at this time, this publication (the only newspaper of the town) primarily reported news of national interest; and I would like to know more about affects upon everyday life!

I may collate more information within a future journal entry, and perhaps integrate this within a public talk.

Notes 

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[i] E.g. in the previous year, regarding the Parliamentary Bill: Derby Mercury, 15 March 1751 (o.d.!).

Journal: January 9th. Reflections on Twelfth Night

Now that my Twelfth Night guests have departed, I might briefly reflect upon the delightful time that was had by all on the 6th – the festivities even more splendid than on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve!

We were fortune to purchase one of Johnson’s prize Twelfth cakes – such magnificence: sweet icing, rich and juicy fruit, delicate figures decorating the top, and what a size! Perhaps I shall bake my own Twelfth cake next year?

Derby Mercury report (12th January, 1804) on Twelfth Night Masquerade Ball

Although grander households (and increasingly, commercial establishment) throw masquerade balls on this night (of which we know from newspaper reports, and only rarely from invitation!), we contented ourselves with more modest masques. We had purchased a set of Twelfth Night character cards from Johnson’s; Dr Leach (of course!) King, and I the Queen (as would only be fitting!), our guests assuming the role of other courtiers – so much gaiety! I might even create my own set of cards for next year’s party, with characters better suited to the temperaments of our guests!

My antiquarian interests inform me of majestic and noble traditions (surely following the lead of their betters, also the poor and middling sorts!) of gambling on Twelfth Night, although I see no such sports mentioned in the press in these early years of the nineteenth century. Notwithstanding, we follow old court traditions by playing at dice and cards – although our stakes were surely much more meagre than those of wealthier citizens, and more generous than those of our more humble neighbours.

We ended the evening with the forfeits contrived earlier by those forgetting to remain in the character that they had drawn. However, (as my 21st century self has noted previously) we decided to forego Ravel's suggestions and instead fulfilled less boisterous, and more seemly, penalties.

I can now look forward to what this year might bring, and hope that it will be as happy for my family and companions (and I trust, my servants and forthcoming pupils) as it has been in recent months.

Journal: January 8th. A country walk

I had expected my guests to have departed by now, although they have decided to stay a little longer; of independent means (their income from rents), they might make such decisions without cares. I therefore have little time today to describe our Twelfth Night celebrations. 

Despite this business, we found time to take a walk this morning, strolling through land that skirts the ancient Mundy estate, which lies a short from here.[i] We caught sight of the Hall - a fine brick building of mid eighteenth century date, situated within delightful parkland. I have interest in this edifice, which (as often occurred in the construction of country houses of this time) required the relocation of Markeaton village (formerly close to the previous medieval hall). But the new buildings are not without charm. I hope to ultimately provide tours around the estate.

Markeaton Hall, 1829[ii]

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[i] See Jones' Views of the Seats, Mansions, Castles, Etc. of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England Accompanied with Historical Descriptions of the Mansions, Lists of Pictures, Statues, &c. and Genealogical Sketches of the Families, of Their Possessors Forming Part of the General Series of Jones' Great Britain Illustrated, and Comprised of the following counties, viz. Bed Berks Bucks , Cheshire, Cumberland, Derbyshire, Durham, Hertfordshire, Huntingdonshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincoln, Norfolk, Northamptonshire. London: Jones & Co., 1829.

[ii] Ibid.

Journal of a Lady Antiquary: January 6th (Twelfth Day)

 Twelfth Night cake (from late 18th century book of ballads, The Twelfth Cake. A Juvenile Amusement, Reginald Spofforth) 

With preparations yet to complete for tonight’s Twelfth Night celebrations, journeyed into Derby this afternoon to make some essential purchases; but also with hopes of catching a glimpse of the great Twelfth cakes. The crowds around the pastry cooks were large, and it was with relief that I heard no cries of ‘thief’ among the multitudes; London newspaper reports (published in the local press - until the later 19th century, confined to the Derby Mercury) had made me wary of the pickpockets such gatherings attract.[i] I was also gratified to see that another Twelfth Day custom of the Capital (news of which I encountered in a book of days) seems not to have taken hold in our more practical town: that sport of errant youth, the nailing of the gowns and coat tails of lady and gentlemen onlookers to the shop front, and to one another![ii]

Twelfth Day: clothes nailed to pasty-shop windows. William Hone (1835) The Every Day Book vol. 1 

But, returning to the confectionery! I have heard of colossal cakes of the past – such as the 45-pound cake, with 45 decorations (I suspect that the number 45 is a reference to the 1745 Jacobite uprising), said to be sent to the radical John Wilkes in 1769![iii] I hope that the cake due to be delivered this evening is substantial, but not to this extent!

The competition for the best Twelfth Cake, baked by local pastry-cooks, and viewed by numerous townsfolk, has become popular in Derby, as elsewhere. I took interest in the above newspaper article (Derby Mercury, January 8th 1823) that describes their various and elaborate designs.

The advertisement shown above (on the front page of the Derby Mercury) demonstrates that Twelfth Night was good for the confectionery business! (In this case the cake show, as with other festivities, was held on the 7th, due to the 6th falling on the Sabbath.)

I must now return to preparations, and to welcome my guests (who are due to arrive imminently); I hope to write a favourable report of the party, after they have departed on the 8th!

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[i] Derby Mercury, 4th January 1787.

[ii] William Hone (1835) The Every Day Book vol. 1

[iii] Derby Mercury, 13 January 1769.