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The Marylebone Cricket Club

The Marylebone Cricket Club is the world’s most famous cricket club, which was established in London, England in 1787.  Like hunting, boxing, and fencing, cricket was considered a gentlemen’s pursuit and provided men with plenty of gambling opportunities.  Before Marylebone opened, aristocrats and noblemen played cricket in White Conduit Fields in Islington, London. As London’s […]

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Cupid

Since Valentine’s Day is almost here, I thought to do an article on Cupid.  Cupid evolved in Roman mythology and is known as the god of desire, affection, and erotic love.  He is the son of the Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty.  Although Cupid’s paternity is vague, he is often believed to

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Coin Debasement

Since I’m in the middle of writing the second book in my Courtesan Series, and the villain is involved in coin debasing, I thought to expand upon this crime.  Coin debasement was considered by law to be on a similar magnitude as counterfeiting and was occasionally punished by death, but more frequently punished by transport.

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Smelling Salts and Vinaigrettes (no, not the dressing)

Smelling salts are chemical compounds used to arouse consciousness.  Smelling salts have been used since Roman times.  They were widely used in the late 18th to the mid-19th century in Britain to revive a fainting lady.  Smelling salts annoy through ammonium carbonate and when mixed with water, this solid compound releases ammonia gas.  If a person is

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Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle is a late medieval castle located in the village of Raglan, in the county of Monmouthshire in southeast Wales.  The castle dates back to the 15th century, but construction on the castle continued to occur through the early 17th century.  Raglan castle featured a beautiful gatehouse, and a large hexagonal keep, known as the Great

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Beau Brummell

Beau Brummell was an iconic man during the Regency period and the legend of his fashion sense still lives on today.  Brummell established the style for men to rid themselves of their overly ornate fashions.  Brummell insisted upon an image of more refined and elegant taste.  He believed a dark, perfectly tailored coat, with full-length

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Fencing in Regency England

En guard!  (Take your position and ready yourself for the fight.) The rules of modern fencing originated in Spain, where the first known book on fencing, Treatise on Arms, was written by Diego de Valera between 1458 and 1471, shortly before dueling came under official ban by the Catholic Monarchs. When Spain became the leading power

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