A Trip to Regency England Trivia Quiz

Answer: Prinny

The Prince Regent, christened George Augustus Frederick, was known as Prinny to his friends and followers, and those of the "ton", or high fashion. He was known for his love of the high life, and consorted with such men of fashion as Beau Brummel. Following his official appointment as Regent, however, he became more of a Tory, and began to accept more responsibility. At this point, he ended his friendship with Whigs like Brummel.

The Prince Regent was finally crowned as King George IV in 1820, when his infirm father, King George III, died. His reign lasted until 1830, when he was succeeded by his brother, King William IV.

Answer: All debutantes must wear court dress from the 1780s, rather than current Regency styles

The Queen insisted upon court dress from the days of her youth. However, the Regent disliked the custom and removed it once his mother died. There was also a limit to how many feathers the debutantes could wear in their hair--too many and it would seem forward! The Queen presided over these ceremonies because, as the wife of King George III, she was considered the highest female power in Regency England.

It was the greatest honor for young ladies to be presented to her.

Answer: Almack's

Almack's was the height of the ton both before and during the Regency period. It was run by a select group of Patronesses, ladies of society who determined the rules of the house. A strict dress code ruled, and dinner was served precisely at eleven, at which point the doors closed to new arrivals.

Many activities were carried out at Almack's. Dancing was popular, particularly for the younger people, while card rooms were also open for those who preferred to play cards. Almack's was also known by a somewhat cruder name: the Marriage Mart, because it was a way for young people to meet each other and advantageous marriages to be arranged.

Answer: Dance the waltz

Debutantes were young ladies who were having their first "Season" in society, or making their debut, and were usually between the ages of sixteen and eighteen. Waltzes were forbidden to debutantes because the dance allowed couples to touch and be closer than any other dance--simply shocking! The Patronesses of Almack's might allow it if their permission was gained, however. Debutantes were allowed to participate in other dances, as well.

Answer: Corinthian

Corinthian was one term used to describe the ideal Regency man: well dressed, but not to excess, an excellent whipster (or teamster), and good at boxing and other gentlemanly pursuits. Several select clubs, such as the Four-In-Hand Club, were open to Corinthians. A dandy, although well dressed, could be mocked.

Today, the term Corinthian could be applied to a yachtsman who sails without professional assistance; during the Regency period, however, all sports applied to the term.

Answer: Drabs and Dribbles

Fops were those with an excessive interest in fashionable, dandyish clothes; Fribbles were effeminate fops. Bartholomew Babies were fops who dressed much like baby dolls for sale on Bartholomew Street. Nonpareils and Nonesuchs were excellent sportsmen and dressers, much like Corinthians. Drabs and Dribbles were, however, non-existent.

Answer: Victorias and Hansoms

Yes, these were all available in Regency England! They are all forms of carriage, drawn by horses. Gigs and curricles were very similar, lightweight vehicles often driven by couples and sportsmen. Barouches and landaux were more expensive, while dogcarts were cheaper. Victorias were carriages named after Queen Victoria and thus were not available until after the Regency Period, as were Hansom cabs, which were patented in 1834.

Answer: Jane Eyre

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen was written in 1813. "The Mysteries of Udolpho" is an example of a Gothic Novel, the sort enjoyed by the characters in Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey", and was written in 1794 by Ann Radcliffe. "Waverley" by Sir Walter Scott was written in 1814. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte, on the other hand, was written in 1847--well past the Regency period.

Reading was an important pastime for those who had enough money to afford books, which could be expensive. It was often the case that a person would own only a few books during their lifetime. Reading after dark was also rare, as it would require the light of several candles, which were also expensive, in order to see enough to read. However, books were a good way for a person to educate themselves on important topics, as well as providing good topics of conversation and discussion.

Answer: Gretna Green

Gretna Green was a town just across the Scottish border. In Scotland, the legal marriage age without parental permission was lower than in England, and so it was a common refuge for underage couples who wished to elope. Villagers there were used to being woken in the night to act as witnesses to marriages, sometimes with the village blacksmith performing the ceremony! Races to Greta Green were not uncommon, with the illicit couple trying to reach the border while their relatives were hot in pursuit to stop the match.

Answer: There is no difference

Pianofortes and pianos are the same instrument; "piano" is merely a shortened term. Every "accomplished" young lady was expected to be able to play the piano and sing; although some, such as Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice", had rather high expectations as to what an accomplished young lady should do!