This Saturday, 8th October, the RNA is running a day for readers who love Regency fiction and history. Appropriately it is in St James’s (nearest underground Green Park). and I’ve helped to organise it. It’s going to be a blast.

What has really impressed me is how much historical research and sheer attention to detail modern-day authors put into their Regency-set novels. In which, of course, they follow the example of the amazing Georgette Heyer, an author of commercial fiction still selling 90 years after her first book was published.  I am really looking forward to hearing Dr Jennifer Kloester at the Regency day.  Her new biography of Heyer hits the bookshops this week. 

Prize-winning author Louise Allen, who will also be there, has put together a slideshow of some of her collection of contemporary prints.  I have posted a few below, which illustrate beautifully some of the activities and subjects on offer on Saturday.

Costume

Carriage dress 1815

Walks

St James's

Sex and Scandal

Reply to a Letter

News of Waterloo Arrives in London

Waterloo after the Battle

An especial treat is that some of us will actually be taking tea in the room where the Prince Regent received Wellington’s Despatch on Midsummer Night 1815.  It was a dramatic scene and we have readings of contemporary accounts.

And, of course, all through the day we will keep coming back to Jane Austen, that minute observer of her society, and Georgette Heyer, whose novels are so well researched, that generations of readers have absorbed history from them without noticing.    

For lovers of fun, fiction and history, this is going to be a one-off.  Booking here . Or contact me direct  It’s going to be a day to remember!