The Regency period was during the reign of King George III (3), and the era in which Jane Austen lived. The Regency period was at a cross roads in history where the Georgian Kings finished their reign in England and Queen Victoria took over. The Regency period strictly refers to the years 1811 to 1820 when King George III, of the United Kingdom, was considered unfit to rule, so his son, known as the Price Regent, ruled in his place. The Prince Regent later became King George IV and ruled over the United Kingdom and Hanover. The term is usually used in a more loose sense to incorporate the period between 1795 and 1830 (when Queen Victoria began her reign). The Regency Period was characterised by distinctive fashions, politics and culture. Everything had a degree of elegance about them. The Regency period is considered the transitional period between the "Georgian" and "Victorian" period.

The most fashionable city during the Regency era was the resort town of Bath mentioned in several of Jane Austen's novels, and a town where she lived for a time. The hot springs were popular with invalids, but it soon became the place to be seen ‘during the season’ (the winter).  Rules had been laid down by Beau Nash in 1705 governing acceptable behaviour and dress in the Assembly Rooms of Bath.

During this regency period there was excess for the aristocracy. Resulting from this period of affluence, numerous new buildings were built, one of which is the Brighton Pavilion.

During the Regency period refinement was more evident than it had been before. To be fashionable, women stopped wearing their hoop skirts and high wigs, and make-up was discarded. Society took a more simpler, natural appearance. Clothing had simpler designs and were more often than not made of plain cotton. Jewellery was not popular during the Regency period because society considered it to be unnecessary.

Furniture took on a simpler style with the items in a room becoming more balanced.

There was also elements of scandal during the regency regarding the exploits of the Prince Regent. The Prince Regent had had a relationship with a Mrs Mary Robinson in 1779, which kept rearing itself during his reign.

Regardless of all the affluence, the Regency period was shrouded with uncertainty because of riots, the Napoleonic wars and a perceived threat of an English version of the French Revolution.

 

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