Georgian Fashion from the Inside Out

18th Century Stays

At last my Georgian ensemble is complete! I have been inspired by shows like 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' and 'Poldark,' as well as being interested in the clothing Jane Austen's parents would have worn and curious for a long time about what it would be like to wear them, so I have embarked on an adventure to create a Georgian wardrobe. And I think it is also rather a lovely style! But of course it is impossible to get the style right without the proper support underneath, for when it comes to historical costuming support is 99% of getting it right!

It took me long enough to assemble this unaccountably complex corset (aka "stays"), and of course I would sew it by hand, which did not speed things up much. But I must say it was worth it just to know I could do it.

I used the Butterick pattern #4254, which probably wouldn't be my first choice now, but I've been trying to conserve my funds, so I just used what I already had in the pattern drawer. I have no complaints so far. It was a bit big, so I folded both back edges under to make a larger gap, which seems to work well. (I want to be able to squeeze it at tight as I can... I know, I know, I'm crazy... But I have never had a full-length set of stays before. The only ones I'd made before were Regency half-stays. True confessions of a historical costumer.)

There are three layers of fabric: white cotton twill (the lining), cotton duck (the interfacing) and a pink silk with oriental designs (the outer layer). The binding is a white linen, and comprised of whatever scraps of it I could find from a previous project. I had made the binding myself using my handy dandy binding maker and an iron. It is a brilliant little device that allows me to make binding out of whatever I choose, plus saving the odd dollar or two. :)

All the boning channels done at last!

Georgian stays are heavy with tons of boning, but they work!

 

The lacing is a white corset lacing that I ordered online from Nehelenia Patterns. I didn't order enough, though, so I improvised and am using the rest of my pink satin ribbon for the time being. I opted for the single set of lacing in the back rather than having the stays lace in the front and the back, as many stays do. I chose to do so for two reasons: 1) I had fewer holes to bind, and 2) because I prefer the look of no lacing up the front. There is a downside to this, which is that it is harder to get the corset on... I'm sure it would be very entertaining to watch me try to slide this thing over my head, because I have to work rather hard and twist into some interesting positions to achieve this, all while feeling slightly claustrophobic. So if you ever embark on a set of 18th century stays, take all the pros and cons of front and back lacing versus only back lacing into consideration.

I have heard it said that the boning inserted horizontally can be troublesome by con-caving in or out, but so far this has not been an issue for me. However, it is worth considering. The boning in the boning channels is mostly spiral steel boning that I bought online in specific lengths.

Here are my hoops! I was rather excited to get these done. They are from the Simplicity pattern #4092, and only take an afternoon to put together (perhaps a somewhat long afternoon; but the point being that they are nice and simple). My boning was purchased, again, from Nehelenia Patterns. It is a 10-meter roll of plastic-coated flat steel 1/4 inch boning, that I cut myself with some garden clippers and covered the sharp corners with duct tape. I like this method, since I can cut whatever sized pieces I need. But be careful! There is no particular danger in the process, but since it involves sharp edges, I would certainly advise caution. I used a somewhat different sort of clippers that are designed to cut dry branches; one side is a sharp edge, the other is a flat 1/4-inch wide surface.

Steel boning from Nehelenia Patterns.

Here is my layer to add poof! It is simply a length of batting that I folded in half lengthwise, pleated, and stitched some extra-wide binding onto for a waistband. I think it is a couple of yards in length, which is what we happened to have lying around the house. (Like many homes where seamstresses live, we have dozens of random fabrics and materials lying around.) 

All the layers together! It's ready for a Georgian gown.

And here is the entire ensemble! I had a simple white drawstring petticoat lying around and I made another from Simplicity pattern #4092. The result is quite voluminous! Which is what I was going for, so it actually made me quite happy. :)

Next time... The dress!


© 2015 Anna Morton

Poldark is Near...

Finally, another worthy 18th century period drama has come from the magical realm of British television! If you haven't been bombarded with the news already, next Sunday, June 21st, is the U.S. premier of 'Poldark' on Masterpiece at 9 PM Eastern time. There is a lot to learn and a lot to see in this wild and dramatic adaptation from the BBC.

Photo source: BBC.co.uk

I had the privilege of being present in England during it's March debut there, and I can tell you it was seriously thrilling. Here is a list of the elements that drew me into this world of Georgian tin mining in Cornwall and kept me coming back for more.

• The scenery! Could it be more vibrant, dramatic, sweeping and stirring? The wide shots of the rugged Cornish coast add heaps of character to this series. When this scenery is added to the plot of an exciting new period drama, the result is rather magical.

Photo source: BBC.co.uk

• And as with many of the most memorable period dramas, every episode leaves you in a horridly pleasing suspense over the fate of nearly every character and all their hopes, dreams or predicaments. 'Poldark' has a roller coaster of a story, especially since it is tied up with the fortunes of the impetuous and daring Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner. He is a young man who has returned from the Revolutionary War in America, trying to survive the in the uncertain world of 18th century tin mining and navigate the sometimes vicious world of Georgian society, which is made up of many other members of the ancient but unstable Poldark family.

Photo source: aidanturner-daily.tumblr.com

Speaking of Ross Poldark, Aidan Turner is pretty charming. Yet, as ruggedly handsome as he is in his smart Georgian suits, and as recklessly brave as he is as he grapples with the mining industry, what is the most striking thing about Ross is his unbending sense of justice. He not only sees injustice and brings it to the attention of others, but he does something about it - whatever he can - to help those who are being exploited or in need. He doesn't always succeed, and he doesn't always think through his plans, but one cannot doubt his good intentions and his loyalty to those he loves and claims responsibility for. Of course, his sweet, twinkly, roguish smile does make him nearly impossible to dislike. :) 

Photo source: BBC.co.uk

• Elinor Tomlinson as Demelza: it seems to me that everyone goes on about Aidan Turner without appreciating this young lady's unique and spirited performance. I loved watching her play a beautifully gentle and elegant Georgiana Darcy in 'Death Comes to Pemberley,' when she displayed a talent for producing poignant moments, so I was looking forward to another exceptional performance from her. Even so, she certainly surprised me! Her character was totally different from Georgiana: unrefined, tough and tomboyish, wearing trousers that she had stolen from her brother and sleeping with her ragged dog Garrick. Her performance was still unique, but her portrayal brought to life the struggles of a poor young woman in the wilds of Cornwall, and it was fascinating to see.

• Of course we all know this is coming... the costumes! I just like them. I admire that the designer made the clothes to be realistic and practical. These are clothes that can be lived in. There are not many women's clothes to see, although I do enjoy seeing the evolution of Demelza's wardrobe and taste, but the men's are certainly abundantly present, as well as fascinating. We get to see them up close, and examine the fabric and contents of a Georgian gentleman's wardrobe, from laborers to the upper classes.

• I learned about history! I mean, seriously, before this show, who knew anything about tin mining in Cornwal during the 18th century? Who even cared? But it is a secret no longer, known only to a select few of British historians. It is now rather a small phenomenon. I had no idea this went on during the 1780s! But I always love learning of the existence of a whole new set of people, and that their memory and history are not being lost in the mists of time, but are being appreciated by the people of our day and age.

I must say that for most people this will not be the sort of thing you would watch if you want to be cheered up. The story is one that is filled with social and personal turmoil, reflecting the time and place where it is set. That is not to say that it is precisely dark, for it has its fair share of happy human moments that are consistent with its undercurrent of hope and the unquenchable determination of Ross Poldark himself. That being said, however, the series is a far from relaxing one!

For those of us with rather particular sensibilities, I must add a cautionary note that there are some acts we would not admire or approve of. Ross's character is occasionally a little tarnished, but he is human and a star of a popular 21ist century TV drama, so it is not especially surprising.Yet I hope you all will enjoy the better parts of the story, as I have! It is unique and dramatic, and very exciting if you enjoy British history!

The Most Important Thing Every Traveler Should Know

Selfies with our delicious donuts in Herne Hill.

Traveling is always an exciting, enriching and unforgettable adventure! Every place I have traveled has given me memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. But that is not to say that traveling is always easy - in fact, most of the time it is quite a challenge. What makes all of the effort worth it is when I take with me the attitude of enjoying the moment.

That is the most important thing to know if you are going to travel, especially to another country. Having an attitude that is ready to relax and enjoy the moment has made such a difference in my travel experience! I have finally learned to see that even the difficulties are a part of the whole adventure.

Life is like that, really - when I remember everything happens for a reason, in the timing of Providence, then I know that the circumstances I can't control are never a waste of time - I can even learn from them, which really makes it all much more exciting!

One of my favorite quotes on our most recent trip to England was this one by Margaret Lee Runbeck:

"Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling."

Dutch apple pie in Haarlem.

Happiness and trust combined is the best manner of traveling, if I may paraphrase. It is easy to focus on the day's destination as the time when you will actually begin enjoying yourself, rather than enjoying every experience from the moment you get up to the moment your head hits the pillow.

If you travel with the former attitude (which I often have), then any little difficulty, such as just missing the bus, or worrying that you will arrive at your destination with not enough time to see everything you had planned to see, or wishing you had left earlier because a particular restaurant might close before you get there, or basically anything that changes your plans, will distract you from the sights and sounds around you. (Worrying also makes me rather grumpy, too, and that not the most effective way to make good memories.)

But if you travel to enjoy and learn from every moment you will make many, many more good memories - I know I have!


 Things will go wrong; that is inevitable. But those are so often the most memorable moments! (They also make great stories.) For instance, we had to spend most of a day trying to track down a package that our family sent to us while we were in London. It was in a completely different part of town that we were not ever planning to visit, which meant we couldn't even combine our errand with other sightseeing. However, we made some happy discoveries along the way. My favorite discovery was popping into a little pastry shop for coffee where we found some delicious jelly donuts for only 60 pence a piece! I was happily taking selfies of our spoils while we waited for our train at the station. :)

The Hotel des Invalides... closed.

We made one of the most frustrating of blunders while in Paris when we forgot that there is a one-hour time difference between London and Paris, which meant that we arrived at the Hotel des Invalides right as they closed. I was ready to kick those doors that had literally just closed in my face! But... we got to walk all around Paris that day in the rain as we made our way over to the Hotel - and it was not simply Paris, but the famous Latin Quarter and the Left Bank. It was magnifique! :) Plus, we saw the back of Rodin's 'The Thinker' in the Rodin Museum garden just across the street from the Hotel des Invalides! I would say it definitely turned out to be a win, despite our inability to remember where time zones change.

Happening upon Rodin's 'The Thinker'!

Our difficulties tend to lead us to delicious pastries, because we were privileged to some delicious Dutch apple pie in Haarlem when we couldn't find our B&B and had to take shelter inside a place with wifi. So, you never know what happy (and delicious) memories you'll make while you're making mistakes!

Remember: Traveling is not not only when you're in the museums or out to tea - when you're traveling, you're always traveling!


© 2015 Anna Morton

Pretending to be Lady Mary Crawley... Tea at the Ritz!

| Puttin' on (Tea at) the Ritz! |

2015 England Trip Travel Journal Entry

Tuesday, March 10

Logistics: 

1. The Tube from Stockwell Station to Green Park Station on the Victoria Line
2. The Tube home from Green Park Station to Brixton Station on the Victoria Line

(9:32 AM) I just saw the most adorable thing on the BBC news: after reporting a story about a four-year-old girl being told off by a policeman for riding her bike on a certain path, the two anchors behind the desk (who usually don't make any comments on stories) were practically shaking their heads and seemed to be in disbelief that this would happen. Yep, we're definitely in England. :)

The Palm Court at the Ritz.

(4:57 PM) We are definitely walking in the world of the most elegantly fashionable here in Picadilly. I feel as if I can fit in, yet at the same time I feel like a total imposter, and I am terrified of committing some unforgivable social blunder. :) It was rather overwhelming when we first sat down at our table in the Palm Court of the Ritz. I was trying to act and think the way Lady Mary Crawley would, which helped slightly, but mostly made me feel how different my world is from hers... At least it made it much more fun!

The waiters pull your chairs out for you, pour and refill your tea cup for you and are always vigilantly, yet discreetly, checking on you to make sure you want for nothing. I feel like Lady Mary would basically ignore them when they're refilling her cup, but Mom and I always went silent until they finished. :) The entire experience is a literal feast for the senses, especially the eyes and the taste buds. The room is is a light, airy Edwardian display of white, gold and pink opulence, with a large opaque glass ceiling and mirrors nearly covering three sides of the room.

So much opulence! It's like being on a Downton Abbey set. :)

We had a very obliging waiter, who took our photo several times to make sure it looked right.

The lovely china.

The centerpiece is an eight-foot tall flower arrangement with dozens of roses. The tables have cream colored cloths and napkins, and the chairs are the color of clotted cream. The tea things are all silver, along with the utensils, and the tea cups and plates have a simple blue flower pattern scattered all over.

The waiters were all very courteous, being very obliging in taking peoples' pictures. The live pianist was a feast for the ear, and we were particularly delighted when we heard two of our favorites: 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Unforgettable.' The whole experience couldn't be be more conducive to spoiling spoiling a person. :) It was another moment where I felt I had been dropped into a fictional and historical world - the world of the debutante.

The never-ending dessert and sandwiches.

Pretending to be the Crawley family. ;)

Shopping in Fortnum and Mason and Hatchard's felt the same to me. Fortnum and Mason still looks just like I think Selfridge's did when it first opened in 1909. It seems to sell only the finest. We wandered around accessories where we saw the smartest looking hats. What I wanted most was a pair of the softest, reddest leather gloves. Alas, they cost 80 pounds! They reminded me of the gloves Harry Selfridge bought for Agnes in the very first episode of 'Mr. Selfridge.' :)

The sparkling Fortnum and Mason department store, established in 1707.

We now smell of a most sparkling, refreshing perfume that we were allowed to sample as we left accessories. I keep thinking, "Where is that fancy smell coming from? Oh yeah, it's us!" :) The tea china and silver section is really stunning, as well as the ground floor where the tea and chocolates are. I almost gave up on getting any, but we found the very tea blend I had ordered at the Ritz! So we decided I had to get it. :) It is called Russian Caravan, a blend of Lapsang Souchong and Darjeeling. I felt so smart with my little sea-green Fortum and Mason bag on my arm as we walked around Picadilly. :)

The most elegant department store I have ever seen.

One of the lovely tea displays in Fortnum and Mason.

We walked through the Burlington Arcade. There was a sort of guard wearing a short cape and a hat, looking as if he'd stepped out of a Poirot episode. There were several stores with dazzling jewelry, and some with vintage styles, including watches and pens. As we turned right and down the street we passed Ede and Ravenscroft - my graduation gown tailors! Then we turned right again down Sackville Street and stumbled upon a little antique market in St. James Church yard. We just happened to be here on a Tuesday, the only day the market is there. I almost got a little Wedgewood box, but it wasn't a thing I especially wanted, so I decided to save our money. :)

The posh Burlington Arcade.

The jaw-dropping London section in Hatchard's. Can I have them all?

I'm glad I did, because the book we chose at Hatchard's was eleven pounds. We looked for what seemed like an hour, trying not to spend too much money. :) But it was so fun! They are officially appointed by HRH as booksellers, and have the best British and London history sections I've ever seen! One book I thought of getting was Scone With the Wind by Miss Victoria Sponge, a collection of literary inspired recipes. There were things like "Woopie Pies and Prejudice" and "Mansfield Tart" - it looked hilarious! But a more useful, and even more fitting book for the purpose of this trip was what we at last took out in that little green bag: Walking Literary London. :) And now we're resting our feet in a Caffé Nero across the street.

(10:35 PM) We're making an "early" night of it, which means that when we got to the southbound Victoria platform at the Green Park Station to go back home we were in the middle of rush-hour commuting... We let two trains go past before finally getting on because they were literally packed. But at least the bathrooms weren't - which I mention because Mom and I did something rather ingenious - though now I think of it, probably not that original. We both managed to squeeze through the turnstile where you had to pay to get into the ladies' room, for we consider it rather an injustice to charge people for such a thing.

After the crush to get out of Brixton Station (which reportedly lasts from 7-9 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM), we walked straight to the little flower stand just outside so I could at last get some daffodils and tulips. :) They only cost 3.50 in all! And they look quite cheerful on the sitting room table. They are my graduation flowers - the graduation that is at last tomorrow...

Oh, I must record our delicious dinner of sausage, grilled peppers and onions and mashed potatoes. :)




© 2015 Anna Morton

Traveling Savvy in London - Part One

London is a spectacular city, absolutely stuffed to the gills with history and culture, and when you go, you will want to get as much out of your time and energy as possible! So, in no particular order, here are the most useful tips I have picked up while traveling in England's capital.

 Always, always carry a Tube map.

One of our Tube maps, our Oyster cards and some spare cash.

The Tube is London's efficient and easy-to-use transportation system, which, combined with the famous red London buses, can get a person practically anywhere they want to be within the London and greater London area. But there is no way anyone, especially on their first trip to London, will remember which Tube lines go where and where they stop! This means it is imperative to have a Tube map handy, ready to pull out at a moment's notice when you are deciding how to get anywhere.

Tube maps are of course available in every Tube station for free, which is an excellent option for any traveler. Small pop-out maps are available for sale online and in bookstores, and some travel books include a copy of the Tube map. In this day and age it would also be possible to find an image online and print it out, or to download an image onto your smartphone or tablet.

However you choose to do it, just have one! It is a time- and sanity-saver.

Travel using an Oyster Card.
 Using an Oyster Card is a fabulously easy way to travel around London. The Oyster Card is simply a card that you load with money at any Tube station, then scan whenever you get on the Tube or a bus. It is also a money-saver because it caps the fare amount that you can spend during any one day.

The only catch is that you must order it before you leave on your trip because it is not available to purchase once you arrive in England. It can be ordered online here: Visitor Oyster Card - Transport for London. We have simply kept our cards from our first trip to London, reusing them each time we have gone back, with no difficulties at all.

Look up closing times before you go anywhere.

I have found out the hard way that many museums and attractions close at 5:00 PM, so I highly recommend looking up closing times before going out to your chosen destination. If you have wifi where you are staying then simply go on TripAdvisor to obtain the hours of the place you would like to visit. Many guidebooks also have opening and closing times, but those are liable to change, so I would still advise looking them up online.


If you can go the extra mile and write the times down, that is also very helpful, since it can be difficult to remember what closes when.

Selfies in Selfridge's and Peacocks in the National Gallery

| The stunning National Gallery during the day. |

2015 England Trip Travel Journal Entry

Monday, March 9

Logistics: 

1. The Tube from Stockwell Station to Charing Cross Station on the Northern Line
2. Walk to Trafalgar Square and up The Strand
3. The Tube from Chancery Lane Station to Oxford Circus Station on the Central Line
4. The Tube home from Oxford Circus Station to Brixton Station on the Victoria Line

Selfies in Selfridge's!

(8:24 PM) We have at last made it to the most historical department store in existence: The one and only Selfridge's! It is far more fascinating after having seen the dazzling TV series by ITV. It is quite as dazzling a century later, although in a 21st century way. We are in Dolly's Tea Room on the lower ground floor, which is situated next to the tea counter, where I almost expect to see Gordon Selfridge appear - as he works there on the TV show. :) It is stocked with a myriad of brightly colored tins from Mariage Fréres in Paris. It is really, truly dazzling! It makes one feel quite fashionable - or perhaps one feels they become more fashionable by simply being here. :) I think Harry Selfridge would be pleased.

Selfridge's looking fabulous at night.

Four of Selfridge's six floors...

 (10:30 PM) Back home again safely! We left the flat around 12:30 today and took a brisk walk in the cold to Stockwell Station. Once again I was reminded of why people wear scarves here: it is not simply to be fashionable, it is a necessity. It was overcast all day without even a peep of sunlight and with a chilling wind until just after dark, when it strangely became warmer - which oddly happens nearly every day after dark. I cannot explain English weather. But I have learned to trust the weather people on TV! They have been proved to be accurate every day so far, which gives me hope that tomorrow will be more Spring-like!

Trafalgar Square in the light of day.

Costa coffee in Waterstone's.

Lunch at the Trafalgar Waterstones was nice - I should say "the lunch we brought to Waterstones," since we only bought a coffee. It was a mocha, and the barista had put a heart on the top made out of cocoa. :)

We finished just in time to miss going into the Banqueting House on Whitehall, and had spent just enough money to be unable to afford the Churchill War Rooms, so we just turned around to finish looking in the National Gallery. 

Some of the lovely government buildings along Whitehall.

We still had the 17th century to see: all the Rubens, Carvaggios, Rembrandts and Van Dycks. I enjoyed all the Claude Lorrains, whose landscape paintings evoked the feeling of "the sublime" that was so eloquently described by Edmund Burke and that had inspired the Gothic romance novel of Jane Austen's youth.

Seaport with the Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba by Claude Lorrain

An understated portrait by Rembrandt of an old man drawn as the Apostle Paul was my favorite of his work hanging in the gallery.

My favorite Rembrandt.

But to my eyes the most impressive of those 17th century canvases belonged in the Van Dyck room. Wow. It is no wonder why Charles I hired him! The pride as well as the centerpiece of the room was the king himself on horseback. That painting must have been ten feet tall!

Charles I on Horseback by Anthony Van Dyck

Lady Elizabeth Thimbelby and her Sister by Anthony Van Dyck

My favorite of Van Dyck's, though, was of John Stuart and his jaunty younger brother who was quite the peacock. John looks pretty unaware of his own impressive appearance, looking like a fashion plate with all of his lace and golden silk. But his brother has a look on his face as if he's saying, "Oh, I'm sorry. You just caught me in the middle of being fabulous." :) I love it.

Lord John Stuart and his brother, Lord Bernard Stuart by Anthony Van Dyck (Or: Peacocks in the National Gallery)

The Royal Courts of Justice located on The Strand.

Not much happened on our walk to Oxford Street, besides us going in a totally different direction than we were supposed to, and being kindly helped in going the right way by an observant man on the street. I am more convinced every day we're here that the English reserve is exaggerated. He was one of the friendliest people I've ever encountered! We found the Chancery Lane Station and took a very brisk walk to Selfridge's, arriving by 8:13! I was quite relieved! Although my mistake reminded me of the quote: "Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure." So I stopped fretting and remembered to enjoy myself - we were walking around London, after all. :)

London: Not a Shabby Way to Spend a Sunday

"Happiness is not a state to arrive at,

But a manner of traveling."

| Margaret Lee Runbeck |

St. James's Park bursting into bloom.

Going to church at C.H. Spurgeon's Metropolitan Tabernacle.

 2015 England Trip Travel Journal Entry

  Sunday, March 8

Logistics: 

1. The 415 bus to the Elephant and Castle stop
2. The 59 bus to Brixton Tube station
3. The Tube from Brixton to Victoria station on the Victoria Line, then to St. James's Park station on the District Line

(10:30 PM) We made it to the Metropolitan Tabernacle during the first hymn. We were directed to the balcony, and took our seats in the old wooden pews. They were rather narrow, and I was amused by imagining Victorian ladies attempting to walk along them with their poofy, full skirts, especially since I could barely fit in my 21st-century garb. :) There was a lot Scripture read, and we got to sing some very traditional hymns by people like Isaac Watts and John Newton. Doctor Peter Masters spoke on Romans 2, and it was refreshing to hear that when all our works are judged, as Christians, we will be rewarded for Christ's righteousness imputed to us when we believed.

Walking to St. James's Park through Queen Anne's Gate.

As we were looking at their flyers and tracts a young man introduced himself to us. He turned out to be very sweet as well as seeming very wise, and he gave us his testimony: having been going to the church since he was born he's what's known as a "Tab Baby," but he really didn't understand the truth of what he was hearing there until he was fifteen. It is so refreshing to be around like-minded people, and just to have some meaningful human contact after jostling around with strangers for the last four days!


Of course, we went out to do some more jostling once we left, and came home to throw our lunch

together before heading to St. James's Park. I felt so smart sitting there on that bench while eating a lunch we had made ourselves that included chicken we had cooked ourselves. :)

Enjoying a very green St. James's Park.

Sitting there with my hands nearly freezing solid took away some of my pleasure in our intelligence... But once my gloves were back on my admiration returned, unabated.

Springtime crocuses in St. James's Park.

What a walk of pleasant surprises as well as expectations we had! St. James's Park was beginning to burst into bloom! We saw lavender and white crocuses, pink blossoms and daffodils galore. The view on either end of the lake was breathtaking - if you love historic London architecture, anyway. But the 18th century landscaping would be lovely to any eye. There was Buckingham Palace on one end and the back of the Horse Guards buildings on the other, framed by willowy trees and bushes that still look Autumnal with their brown and gold leaves.

A view of Buckingham Palace from the bridge over the lake in St. James's Park.

Selfies in St. James's.

It was cloudy, but just before we left the park the sun burst through the clouds right above the horizon, alighting everything with a glorious sunset blaze.

A view of the backs of the Horse Guards buildings over the lake at St. James's Park.

We then began our walk from Walking Jane Austen's London by Louise Allen. There were lots of kids in the park, chatting adorably. The cutest was a little boy who was calling out, "Mum, Mum, this is how I do it." I couldn't see him, but the sound was adorable enough. :) I loved hearing and seeing the parents just be parents, as normal as can be - only with accents. :)

We saw so many things I have only heard about as we went on our first Jane Austen walk: St. James's

St. James's Palace

Palace, Jermyn Street and Picadilly! It was splendidly surreal to stand in front of what used to be Almack's Assembly Rooms. It is simply called Almack House now, but I could still imagine all the trembling heroines of Georgette Heyer's Regency novels walking down that street, dressed as stylishly and trained as thoroughly as possible to be accepted by Almack's formidable patronesses - and then I realized that the same ordeal had truly been experienced by real young ladies of the Regency.

Almack House

White's Club - or the building where it used to be - was almost as thrilling to see, only it was the young men I was sympathizing with this time, having to face the scrutiny of "The Beau" himself. :) I am sure those poor fellows were checking the folds of their cravats as they walked up the steps.

Where White's Gentleman's Club used to be during the Regency.

 We found the Beau himself - that is, Beau Brummell - fittingly, on Jermyn Street amidst the most fashionable, posh, elegant and expensive tailors, hat makers and shoe makers. I actually gasped as I suddenly beheld him standing literally in a spotlight at the end of a most dashing row of shops in the Jermyn Arcade.

The statue of Beau Brummell, the man who revolutionized men's fashion during the Regency.

Selfie with the Beau.

Hatchard's Bookshop, founded in 1797.

We also found Hatchard's Bookshop - all four floors of it - situated on Picadilly, and admired its mouth-watering English history and London sections. And then, you know, we just happened to stumble upon The Ritz... It felt like I had been dropped into a world where books and history come to life right in front of my eyes! All that would improve it would be if I could be there in costume.

The Georgette Heyer section at Hatchard's. I want them all!

The last sight we found was Henry Austen's bank, a place where Jane Austen herself would have once walked. It was an unreal day.

Where's Jane Austen's brother Henry used to have a bank.

Watching 'Poldark'!

Tonight, to my great surprise and excitement, 'Poldark' premiered on BBC1! Boy, does Aidan Turner have the most twinkly smile. :) His whole face looks so happy! So far, I like it.



© 2015 Anna Morton