Sharon Lathan: History In The Making!!

Happy Friday!!

Ain't it great to be headed into the weekend?! I know I'm all in favor of two days respite! If you're hankering for a good read to snuggle up to, I have just the 'yarn' to leave you yearning for more!

My Yosemite Romance Writer chapter mate and good friend, Sharon Lathan, is hanging her bonnet on the TLN wall today. Her latest addition to The Darcy Sagas, MY DEAREST MR. DARCY, hit bookshelves earlier this month.

Sharon was sweet enough to find some marvels of the Regency Era to dazzle us with! So, put the kettle on and let's have tea!

Without further ado, here's Lady Lathan!!!


I love history! I think I have said that a few hundred times since I began to delve into the past for my writing, but I never tire of saying it. Nor do I tire of searching for new facts to include in my novels. Man, do I ever get a thrill out of discovering something cool!

The Regency Era was a wonderfully romantic period. But even better, at least to me, is that those nine years fell within a slice of time replete with exciting inventions and changing ideals while also clinging to traditions. Picking and choosing the ones to elaborate upon within my series has been the hardest part because I want to talk about all of them. Allow me to share a selection of my favorites from my latest novel in the Darcy Saga series, My Dearest Mr. Darcy.

Chippendale furniture: Originally a cabinetmaker in London, Thomas Chippendale became a noted interior designer whose unique English Rococo and Neoclassical styling made him famous among the wealthy of the latter 1700s. His son, also named Thomas, continued his father’s work on into the Regency Era, adding distinctive touches of that period but keeping the Chippendale legacy alive and inimitable.

Angelo’s Fencing Academy: The Italian fencing master known as Dominico Angelo, who taught many of the aristocracy to fence during the late 1700s (including a young George III), established his school in Soho around 1770. He taught generations of gentlemen the art of swordsmanship, including his son Henry Angelo who continued the school even as the locations moved. Regency Era positioning on Bond Street next door to Gentleman Jackson’s Boxing Club cemented the Academy as a prime place for men of wealth and society to visit for entertainment and exercise.

English mastiff: These massive dogs have an ancient history, but in the era of vast estates they were commonly found as guards against poachers. Merely the sight of these animals bred to be war dogs and vicious hunters would frighten most criminals away! The mastiff was extremely loyal and obedient to its master, trained to protect at all costs.

Gamekeepers: Vital to the function and preservation of estates, the gamekeeper was that man who kept track of the animals roaming the master’s lands. Although experts in firearms and hunting, these men were in many respects the predecessors of modern-day conservationists. It was his job to ensure game was plentiful and healthy to provide for the families dependent on the estate, as well as the entertainment of the menfolk. An old and revered profession, gamekeepers today have their own organizations and are essential to the safeguarding of the land.

Falconry: The art of hunting with raptors is beyond ancient. In England falconry was a sport of prestige among the nobility, especially in the time of Henry VIII. With the invention of accurate guns, falconry (or hawking) lost popularity. However, there have always been groups of the elite who clung to the thrill of hunting with a wild bird of prey. My father was a falconer, so for me it was a personal delight to write Darcy as a man who hunted with falcons.

Baby rattles: Early rattles specifically designed to calm fussy babies ran the gamut from hollowed gourds or bones filled with beads to fancy sterling silver devices with bells attached. Designed to be clutched by the baby, they usually included an end of coral, hard gumstick, bone, or stone that was cooling to the infant’s gum. Yes, a pacifier! Silver was the metal of choice, and this is where the term “born with a silver spoon in his mouth” is derived.

Curricle: These carriages were fast and regarded as very smart and fashionable, much like the sports cars of today. The curricle needed two horses to pull it and was sturdier and fancier than the simple one-horse gig. It was designed as a “gentleman’s carriage” that he could easily drive himself. Or, as in my story, a woman.

OK, I shall limit myself to only sharing these few! I could go on illuminating hot air balloons, magic lantern shows, bathing machines, dovecotes, mews, medicines, men’s wedding bands, and so much more. Good thing I need to keep this essay a reasonable length, right?

On my website I have an awesome Regency Glossary that defines numerous people, places, and things common at the time. Feel free to pop over and browse. Thanks, Sarah, for allowing me to share with your readers some of the bizarre tidbits of history I love. And if anyone knows of something really cool from two hundred years ago, clue me in! What are some of the amazing facts of the past that you have learned from reading a novel?


Well, thank you, Sharon, for sharing some time with us. Best wishes for tons of success with MY DEAREST MR. DARCY! For more information on Sharon and her Darcy Saga Books, please check out her gorgeous website- www.darcysaga.net.

THANK YOU, TLN'ers, for swinging by! To get you craving a little Pride and Prejudice, here's a video montage of 2005's P&P timed to Evanescence's MY IMMORTAL -a truly delightful find, I assure you. Stay comfy and warm this weekend and we'll catch you back next week!