Author: Lorrie Anne

Vauxhall Gardens, established in 1729 by the enterprising businessman Jonathan Tyers, was the scene of a horrible balloon accident that took the life of Mr. Robert Cocking on July 24, 1837. Cocking Robert, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons The day at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, named after a medieval manor called "Fox Hall", began with a flurry… Continue reading Vauxhall Gardens Part III: The Fatal Descent by which Mr. Robert Cocking Lost His life.

Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827) and Augustus Charles Pugin (1762–1832) (after) John Bluck (fl. 1791–1819), Joseph Constantine Stadler (fl. 1780–1812), Thomas Sutherland (1785–1838), J. Hill, and Harraden (aquatint engravers), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Vauxhall Gardens, located 3.1 miles from Grosvenor Street, was established in 1729 by the enterprising businessman, Jonathan Tyers. Considered to be highly innovative… Continue reading Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens Part II

A map of Vauxhall Gardens Samuel Wale, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Established in 1729 by Jonathan Tyers, Vauxhall Gardens was an exotic outdoor pleasure ground and social venue, the likes of which had never been seen before the Regency era. Wandering the pleasure gardens during eighteenth or nineteenth century London, one experienced a plethora… Continue reading Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens Part I

Sarah Child Villiers, Countess of Jersey (4 March 1785 – 26 January 1867), was a very prominent female figure in Regency society. As the leading patroness of Almack's Assembly Rooms, she was reverently referred to as “Queen Sarah” due to her social status and power over the members of the ton. Thomas Lawrence, Public domain,… Continue reading The Powerful & Formidable “Queen Sarah”, Sarah Child Villiers, Countess of Jersey (1785-1867)

George Gordon Noel Byron, 6th Baron Byron (22 January 1788 - 19 April 1824), one of the greatest British writers and poets during the Romantic Movement. Lord Byron is infamous for his love affairs and inappropriate sexual relationships, debts, and illegitimate children. Devastatingly handsome, he moved easily among the circles of London's society and earned… Continue reading Lord Byron: “Mad, bad, and dangerous to know.” The man, the legend…

Source: http://www.RCT.UK The Royal Sceptre and the 530.2 carat Star of Africa diamond. The Coronation Royal Sceptre cradles a magnificent 530.2 carat teardrop shaped diamond known as the Star of Africa. This incomparable diamond is mounted with enameled brackets decorated with emeralds, amethyst, rose-cut diamonds, rubies, and spinels. Above the Star of Africa is a… Continue reading The Royal Crown Jewels

The Royal Crown jewels of France, worn by Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, which disappeared during the Revolution, are unveiled after being hidden from the public’s eye for 200 years. The French Royal Crown jewels disappeared from the Palace of Versailles during the historic revolutionary uprising of the fish market women and men who… Continue reading The Lost Royal Jewels of Marie Antoinette

Re-imagining the sensuous scent of a Queen. France, 1790 - Imagine...you are Queen Marie Antoinette, awaiting the arrival of your private perfumer in the gardens of Trianon, a short distance from Versailles.  You intend to ask your royal perfumer, Jean-Louis, to create a scent that embodies the spirit of Trianon, your place of happiness and… Continue reading Recreating Marie Antoinette’s Perfume

Marie Antoinette, known for her lavish lifestyle of self-indulgence, possessed what is now one of the 14 Most Expensive Jewels In The World—a sparkling diamond necklace with one lush 1.84 karat pink diamond and two yellow accent diamonds of 7.06 and 5.24 karats. Source:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cScKgXZ571o Although the beautiful and spoiled queen lived an indulgent life during… Continue reading A Life of Luxury or a Living Nightmare?