The Regency World
Every Austen plot runs on Regency machinery: entails and incomes, assembly rooms and muslin gowns, the marriage market and the post. This section explains the world her characters take for granted — and where to visit what remains of it.
Articles on the Regency era, fashion, money, and Austen's England are in production (content batch C).
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Regency era?
Strictly, 1811–1820, when George, Prince of Wales, ruled as Prince Regent during George III’s incapacity. Culturally, “Regency” often stretches from the 1790s to the 1830s — the world of all of Austen’s novels.
How much was £10,000 a year worth?
Mr. Darcy’s £10,000 a year put him in roughly the top 0.1% of English incomes. Simple inflation makes it about £800,000 today, but as a share of national income it is closer to eight figures.