Nicola here, talking today about those elements of the London Season that feature in Regency historicals and are still going strong today. A photograph in the paper last week reminded me that although in many ways we have moved on from the Regency period in the UK (no climbing boys and a ban on fox hunting, for example), one aspect at least of the social life of the time is alive and well and that's The Season.
The photograph that reminded me of this was a picture of the Royal family watching the Trooping the Colour. Whilst you don’t see this mentioned in many Georgian or Regency-set historicals, this is actually a tradition of British infantry regiments that dates back to the 17th century. The ceremony arose out of the custom of using a regiment’s colours, or flags, as rallying points on a battlefield and takes place annually in June on Horse Guards Parade by St James’ Park. It was first held in the early 18th century and I imagine it would have been quite a show for the London crowds. The picture is quite interesting because when I first saw it I thought it was an old painting – then I saw the London Eye in the background!
According to Debretts, the season runs from April to August, concluding on August 12th when members 
of society return to their country houses for the start of the shooting season. Before the hunting ban was introduced, fox hunting was the traditional sport of the winter and then everyone went back to London in the spring and the whole thing started up again.
The concept of the London season started in the 17th century. The English gentry and aristocracy viewed their country house as their home but spent a number of months in London both for political and social purposes. (The season in Scotland was an entirely different matter and did not run to the same schedule). The season was intended to co-incide with the sitting of parliament since members of parliament were the same people who took part in London’s social scene. And of course one of the main focuses of the season was for the sons and daughters of the most eligible families in the country to make advantageous marriages. It could cost up to £120,000 in today’s money to launch a debutante into society.
Although historical romance has often featured places such as Almacks or the theatre, or pleasure gardens such as Ranelagh as the centres of entertainment in the 18th and 19th centuries, the most exclusive events were always the ones held in the town houses of the aristocracy. Invitations to these were the most coveted. It’s interesting though that places like Ranelagh still have a connection to the London season. These days it is where Chelsea Flower Show takes place, which is one of the highlights of the modern social calendar.
Out of curiosity I also looked up which other events of the Georgian and Regency season would still be recognisable to people today. Whilst the presentation at court was abolished in 1958 and there are fewer aristocratic balls around, a number of events are still going strong. One of these is the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, which was founded in 1768. It attracted such great artists as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner and Constable, and was and still is one of the most fashionable events to attend. I featured the exhibition in one of my books, Mistress by Midnight.
Another element of the season was the horse racing. Royal Ascot, one of Europe's most famous race 
meetings, dates back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne. Queen Elizabeth II continues the tradition of attending with other members of the Royal family and arrives each day in a horse drawn carriage. The day’s racing is preceded by the raising of the royal standard. The Derby and the Cheltenham Gold Cup are also race meetings that date from the Georgian and Regency periods respectively although the dress code is rather different these days.
Then there are the water-based events, the Henley Regatta and Cowes Week. The Yacht Club was founded in 1815 in St James’s by 42 gentlemen who were interested in sea yachting. In 1817 the Prince Regent became a member and it was agreed to meet twice yearly in Cowes. The first race was held in 1826 with the prize of a “gold cup of the value of £100.”
If all this sporting activity seems too energetic, there is always the Queen Charlotte’s Ball, which dates back to 1780 and was established by King George III and named for his wife. This annual May ball ceased in 1976 amidst rumours of drug-taking and wild behaviour; not at all appropriate for the descendants of those young ladies who had made their debut at George III’s court. The ball was revived in 2013 though. Some good old traditions keep coming back!
Now over to you. If you were given a choice of the season's events to attend, which would be your favourite? Sailing? Looking at art? Dancing? Or would you like to introduce some new and different events to the London season?
I grew up as a serious ballet dancer, so I figure I could manage Georgian/Regency dance steps. I guess that would be my choice!
Thanks for this excellent post. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference. 🙂
I grew up as a serious ballet dancer, so I figure I could manage Georgian/Regency dance steps. I guess that would be my choice!
Thanks for this excellent post. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference. 🙂
I grew up as a serious ballet dancer, so I figure I could manage Georgian/Regency dance steps. I guess that would be my choice!
Thanks for this excellent post. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference. 🙂
I grew up as a serious ballet dancer, so I figure I could manage Georgian/Regency dance steps. I guess that would be my choice!
Thanks for this excellent post. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference. 🙂
I grew up as a serious ballet dancer, so I figure I could manage Georgian/Regency dance steps. I guess that would be my choice!
Thanks for this excellent post. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference. 🙂
I’m not terribly coordinated, so I’ll go with the art exhibitions…. But I am in total love with Prince George!!
I’m not terribly coordinated, so I’ll go with the art exhibitions…. But I am in total love with Prince George!!
I’m not terribly coordinated, so I’ll go with the art exhibitions…. But I am in total love with Prince George!!
I’m not terribly coordinated, so I’ll go with the art exhibitions…. But I am in total love with Prince George!!
I’m not terribly coordinated, so I’ll go with the art exhibitions…. But I am in total love with Prince George!!
Fascinating post. I suppose we’re all vaguely aware of today’s summer ‘season’, but very interesting to think how much of it has survived for centuries. As for the event I’d choose, I’ve tried Regency dancing and it’s unbelievably energetic (not at all as portrayed in film and on TV)and I ended up a damp heap. So I’d keep my cool and plump for the art exhibitions.
Fascinating post. I suppose we’re all vaguely aware of today’s summer ‘season’, but very interesting to think how much of it has survived for centuries. As for the event I’d choose, I’ve tried Regency dancing and it’s unbelievably energetic (not at all as portrayed in film and on TV)and I ended up a damp heap. So I’d keep my cool and plump for the art exhibitions.
Fascinating post. I suppose we’re all vaguely aware of today’s summer ‘season’, but very interesting to think how much of it has survived for centuries. As for the event I’d choose, I’ve tried Regency dancing and it’s unbelievably energetic (not at all as portrayed in film and on TV)and I ended up a damp heap. So I’d keep my cool and plump for the art exhibitions.
Fascinating post. I suppose we’re all vaguely aware of today’s summer ‘season’, but very interesting to think how much of it has survived for centuries. As for the event I’d choose, I’ve tried Regency dancing and it’s unbelievably energetic (not at all as portrayed in film and on TV)and I ended up a damp heap. So I’d keep my cool and plump for the art exhibitions.
Fascinating post. I suppose we’re all vaguely aware of today’s summer ‘season’, but very interesting to think how much of it has survived for centuries. As for the event I’d choose, I’ve tried Regency dancing and it’s unbelievably energetic (not at all as portrayed in film and on TV)and I ended up a damp heap. So I’d keep my cool and plump for the art exhibitions.
I’ve always found it hard to understand why all these aristocrats with country estates wanted to spend the hot summer months in London. (This may be colored by the fact that the temperature around here is threatening to head for 90° today.) And think of all those lovely gardens. Imagine having a rose garden and never getting to see the roses bloom!
I’ve always found it hard to understand why all these aristocrats with country estates wanted to spend the hot summer months in London. (This may be colored by the fact that the temperature around here is threatening to head for 90° today.) And think of all those lovely gardens. Imagine having a rose garden and never getting to see the roses bloom!
I’ve always found it hard to understand why all these aristocrats with country estates wanted to spend the hot summer months in London. (This may be colored by the fact that the temperature around here is threatening to head for 90° today.) And think of all those lovely gardens. Imagine having a rose garden and never getting to see the roses bloom!
I’ve always found it hard to understand why all these aristocrats with country estates wanted to spend the hot summer months in London. (This may be colored by the fact that the temperature around here is threatening to head for 90° today.) And think of all those lovely gardens. Imagine having a rose garden and never getting to see the roses bloom!
I’ve always found it hard to understand why all these aristocrats with country estates wanted to spend the hot summer months in London. (This may be colored by the fact that the temperature around here is threatening to head for 90° today.) And think of all those lovely gardens. Imagine having a rose garden and never getting to see the roses bloom!
Lil, back in the Regency they tended to disperse a bit earlier for the reason you give, but it was, as Nicola says, a lot to do with when Parliament was sitting. The MPs also wanted to get away from London in the hot weather, but sometimes they were stuck.
They’d started to go to the seaside for the hotter weather, such as Brighton.
Lil, back in the Regency they tended to disperse a bit earlier for the reason you give, but it was, as Nicola says, a lot to do with when Parliament was sitting. The MPs also wanted to get away from London in the hot weather, but sometimes they were stuck.
They’d started to go to the seaside for the hotter weather, such as Brighton.
Lil, back in the Regency they tended to disperse a bit earlier for the reason you give, but it was, as Nicola says, a lot to do with when Parliament was sitting. The MPs also wanted to get away from London in the hot weather, but sometimes they were stuck.
They’d started to go to the seaside for the hotter weather, such as Brighton.
Lil, back in the Regency they tended to disperse a bit earlier for the reason you give, but it was, as Nicola says, a lot to do with when Parliament was sitting. The MPs also wanted to get away from London in the hot weather, but sometimes they were stuck.
They’d started to go to the seaside for the hotter weather, such as Brighton.
Lil, back in the Regency they tended to disperse a bit earlier for the reason you give, but it was, as Nicola says, a lot to do with when Parliament was sitting. The MPs also wanted to get away from London in the hot weather, but sometimes they were stuck.
They’d started to go to the seaside for the hotter weather, such as Brighton.
I love to dance, so that would be my choice but only after serious practice because those dances are complifex! 🙂
I recently watched the Amanda Vickery Netherfield ball recreation and it was fun to see how energetic the dancing was which I think is sometimes hard to convey, although it did not surprise me. One thing that struck me as unexpected was the dinner with the men leaning over and reaching for food. It looked like a whole bunch of jack-in-the-boxes. 🙂 I admit I wasn’t convinced.
I love to dance, so that would be my choice but only after serious practice because those dances are complifex! 🙂
I recently watched the Amanda Vickery Netherfield ball recreation and it was fun to see how energetic the dancing was which I think is sometimes hard to convey, although it did not surprise me. One thing that struck me as unexpected was the dinner with the men leaning over and reaching for food. It looked like a whole bunch of jack-in-the-boxes. 🙂 I admit I wasn’t convinced.
I love to dance, so that would be my choice but only after serious practice because those dances are complifex! 🙂
I recently watched the Amanda Vickery Netherfield ball recreation and it was fun to see how energetic the dancing was which I think is sometimes hard to convey, although it did not surprise me. One thing that struck me as unexpected was the dinner with the men leaning over and reaching for food. It looked like a whole bunch of jack-in-the-boxes. 🙂 I admit I wasn’t convinced.
I love to dance, so that would be my choice but only after serious practice because those dances are complifex! 🙂
I recently watched the Amanda Vickery Netherfield ball recreation and it was fun to see how energetic the dancing was which I think is sometimes hard to convey, although it did not surprise me. One thing that struck me as unexpected was the dinner with the men leaning over and reaching for food. It looked like a whole bunch of jack-in-the-boxes. 🙂 I admit I wasn’t convinced.
I love to dance, so that would be my choice but only after serious practice because those dances are complifex! 🙂
I recently watched the Amanda Vickery Netherfield ball recreation and it was fun to see how energetic the dancing was which I think is sometimes hard to convey, although it did not surprise me. One thing that struck me as unexpected was the dinner with the men leaning over and reaching for food. It looked like a whole bunch of jack-in-the-boxes. 🙂 I admit I wasn’t convinced.
Thanks, Sonya! I imagine you wouldn’t have any trouble at all with those complicated Regency dance steps!
Thanks, Sonya! I imagine you wouldn’t have any trouble at all with those complicated Regency dance steps!
Thanks, Sonya! I imagine you wouldn’t have any trouble at all with those complicated Regency dance steps!
Thanks, Sonya! I imagine you wouldn’t have any trouble at all with those complicated Regency dance steps!
Thanks, Sonya! I imagine you wouldn’t have any trouble at all with those complicated Regency dance steps!
LOL, Kate! A very good choice! Price George, yes, what a cutie!
LOL, Kate! A very good choice! Price George, yes, what a cutie!
LOL, Kate! A very good choice! Price George, yes, what a cutie!
LOL, Kate! A very good choice! Price George, yes, what a cutie!
LOL, Kate! A very good choice! Price George, yes, what a cutie!
I love dancing but like you, Isabelle, I would want to keep my cool. Exhibitions are the way to go!
I love dancing but like you, Isabelle, I would want to keep my cool. Exhibitions are the way to go!
I love dancing but like you, Isabelle, I would want to keep my cool. Exhibitions are the way to go!
I love dancing but like you, Isabelle, I would want to keep my cool. Exhibitions are the way to go!
I love dancing but like you, Isabelle, I would want to keep my cool. Exhibitions are the way to go!
Yes, that was a very interesting programme, and some of the detail surprised me too. Both the dancing and the eating didn’t quite accord with my idea of decorous behaviour but I suppose I was making assumptions about good manners. What is considered manners now and then has definitely changed!
Yes, that was a very interesting programme, and some of the detail surprised me too. Both the dancing and the eating didn’t quite accord with my idea of decorous behaviour but I suppose I was making assumptions about good manners. What is considered manners now and then has definitely changed!
Yes, that was a very interesting programme, and some of the detail surprised me too. Both the dancing and the eating didn’t quite accord with my idea of decorous behaviour but I suppose I was making assumptions about good manners. What is considered manners now and then has definitely changed!
Yes, that was a very interesting programme, and some of the detail surprised me too. Both the dancing and the eating didn’t quite accord with my idea of decorous behaviour but I suppose I was making assumptions about good manners. What is considered manners now and then has definitely changed!
Yes, that was a very interesting programme, and some of the detail surprised me too. Both the dancing and the eating didn’t quite accord with my idea of decorous behaviour but I suppose I was making assumptions about good manners. What is considered manners now and then has definitely changed!
For some reason, I’m not taken with a specific event. In my current mood, what I would like to see is a day of shopping with one of the haute ton. Seeing the wide range of fashions, from day dresses to habits to ballgowns. Having sewn years ago, I loved to feel the fabrics and see how they draped. After getting the clothes out of the way, I would love to see bonnets, gloves, stockings, and garters.
For some reason, I’m not taken with a specific event. In my current mood, what I would like to see is a day of shopping with one of the haute ton. Seeing the wide range of fashions, from day dresses to habits to ballgowns. Having sewn years ago, I loved to feel the fabrics and see how they draped. After getting the clothes out of the way, I would love to see bonnets, gloves, stockings, and garters.
For some reason, I’m not taken with a specific event. In my current mood, what I would like to see is a day of shopping with one of the haute ton. Seeing the wide range of fashions, from day dresses to habits to ballgowns. Having sewn years ago, I loved to feel the fabrics and see how they draped. After getting the clothes out of the way, I would love to see bonnets, gloves, stockings, and garters.
For some reason, I’m not taken with a specific event. In my current mood, what I would like to see is a day of shopping with one of the haute ton. Seeing the wide range of fashions, from day dresses to habits to ballgowns. Having sewn years ago, I loved to feel the fabrics and see how they draped. After getting the clothes out of the way, I would love to see bonnets, gloves, stockings, and garters.
For some reason, I’m not taken with a specific event. In my current mood, what I would like to see is a day of shopping with one of the haute ton. Seeing the wide range of fashions, from day dresses to habits to ballgowns. Having sewn years ago, I loved to feel the fabrics and see how they draped. After getting the clothes out of the way, I would love to see bonnets, gloves, stockings, and garters.
I think I’d skip the Season altogether. I’m not much for crowds, I don’t like parties where people get very drunk, and the idea of staying in a city which has few if any ideas of proper sanitation really turns me off; except for the meth, it’d be like some of my neighbors in Venice. I think I’d be the country mouse and stay home. All that green, all those trees, all those country walks and flowers and sea views, and nobody around to cavil at anything I might do. It sounds like the ultimate vacation to me.
I think I’d skip the Season altogether. I’m not much for crowds, I don’t like parties where people get very drunk, and the idea of staying in a city which has few if any ideas of proper sanitation really turns me off; except for the meth, it’d be like some of my neighbors in Venice. I think I’d be the country mouse and stay home. All that green, all those trees, all those country walks and flowers and sea views, and nobody around to cavil at anything I might do. It sounds like the ultimate vacation to me.
I think I’d skip the Season altogether. I’m not much for crowds, I don’t like parties where people get very drunk, and the idea of staying in a city which has few if any ideas of proper sanitation really turns me off; except for the meth, it’d be like some of my neighbors in Venice. I think I’d be the country mouse and stay home. All that green, all those trees, all those country walks and flowers and sea views, and nobody around to cavil at anything I might do. It sounds like the ultimate vacation to me.
I think I’d skip the Season altogether. I’m not much for crowds, I don’t like parties where people get very drunk, and the idea of staying in a city which has few if any ideas of proper sanitation really turns me off; except for the meth, it’d be like some of my neighbors in Venice. I think I’d be the country mouse and stay home. All that green, all those trees, all those country walks and flowers and sea views, and nobody around to cavil at anything I might do. It sounds like the ultimate vacation to me.
I think I’d skip the Season altogether. I’m not much for crowds, I don’t like parties where people get very drunk, and the idea of staying in a city which has few if any ideas of proper sanitation really turns me off; except for the meth, it’d be like some of my neighbors in Venice. I think I’d be the country mouse and stay home. All that green, all those trees, all those country walks and flowers and sea views, and nobody around to cavil at anything I might do. It sounds like the ultimate vacation to me.
That sounds a blast, Shannon. I would love to be taken shopping by someone from the Ton who knew all about fashion. Great idea!
That sounds a blast, Shannon. I would love to be taken shopping by someone from the Ton who knew all about fashion. Great idea!
That sounds a blast, Shannon. I would love to be taken shopping by someone from the Ton who knew all about fashion. Great idea!
That sounds a blast, Shannon. I would love to be taken shopping by someone from the Ton who knew all about fashion. Great idea!
That sounds a blast, Shannon. I would love to be taken shopping by someone from the Ton who knew all about fashion. Great idea!
LOL, Janice, on the home from home! It does sound a blissful idea to skip the Season. It’s very hot in London at the moment and much fresher out in the countryside.
LOL, Janice, on the home from home! It does sound a blissful idea to skip the Season. It’s very hot in London at the moment and much fresher out in the countryside.
LOL, Janice, on the home from home! It does sound a blissful idea to skip the Season. It’s very hot in London at the moment and much fresher out in the countryside.
LOL, Janice, on the home from home! It does sound a blissful idea to skip the Season. It’s very hot in London at the moment and much fresher out in the countryside.
LOL, Janice, on the home from home! It does sound a blissful idea to skip the Season. It’s very hot in London at the moment and much fresher out in the countryside.
Nicola–
What a lovely depiction of then and now. I had no idea that the Royal Chelsea Garden show is where Ranelagh was! I’m always up for looking at flowers and gardens–Katie Fforde did a lovely book where the flower show was the climax. I’m also up for anything by water, whether river or sea *G*, though I’d also like to see the Royal Exhibition because I also used that in a book. (River of Fire.) But truth be known, I’m another country mouse most of the time!
Nicola–
What a lovely depiction of then and now. I had no idea that the Royal Chelsea Garden show is where Ranelagh was! I’m always up for looking at flowers and gardens–Katie Fforde did a lovely book where the flower show was the climax. I’m also up for anything by water, whether river or sea *G*, though I’d also like to see the Royal Exhibition because I also used that in a book. (River of Fire.) But truth be known, I’m another country mouse most of the time!
Nicola–
What a lovely depiction of then and now. I had no idea that the Royal Chelsea Garden show is where Ranelagh was! I’m always up for looking at flowers and gardens–Katie Fforde did a lovely book where the flower show was the climax. I’m also up for anything by water, whether river or sea *G*, though I’d also like to see the Royal Exhibition because I also used that in a book. (River of Fire.) But truth be known, I’m another country mouse most of the time!
Nicola–
What a lovely depiction of then and now. I had no idea that the Royal Chelsea Garden show is where Ranelagh was! I’m always up for looking at flowers and gardens–Katie Fforde did a lovely book where the flower show was the climax. I’m also up for anything by water, whether river or sea *G*, though I’d also like to see the Royal Exhibition because I also used that in a book. (River of Fire.) But truth be known, I’m another country mouse most of the time!
Nicola–
What a lovely depiction of then and now. I had no idea that the Royal Chelsea Garden show is where Ranelagh was! I’m always up for looking at flowers and gardens–Katie Fforde did a lovely book where the flower show was the climax. I’m also up for anything by water, whether river or sea *G*, though I’d also like to see the Royal Exhibition because I also used that in a book. (River of Fire.) But truth be known, I’m another country mouse most of the time!
Nicola–
A question: I’ve heard that Georgette Heyer more or less invented the “Little Season,” which was defined a less busy but still valid social season in early autumn, presumably after all the grouse have been slaughtered. *G* From a novelist’s point of view, it’s a useful convention–I’m using it in my current book, in fact–but is there any validity to the concept?
Nicola–
A question: I’ve heard that Georgette Heyer more or less invented the “Little Season,” which was defined a less busy but still valid social season in early autumn, presumably after all the grouse have been slaughtered. *G* From a novelist’s point of view, it’s a useful convention–I’m using it in my current book, in fact–but is there any validity to the concept?
Nicola–
A question: I’ve heard that Georgette Heyer more or less invented the “Little Season,” which was defined a less busy but still valid social season in early autumn, presumably after all the grouse have been slaughtered. *G* From a novelist’s point of view, it’s a useful convention–I’m using it in my current book, in fact–but is there any validity to the concept?
Nicola–
A question: I’ve heard that Georgette Heyer more or less invented the “Little Season,” which was defined a less busy but still valid social season in early autumn, presumably after all the grouse have been slaughtered. *G* From a novelist’s point of view, it’s a useful convention–I’m using it in my current book, in fact–but is there any validity to the concept?
Nicola–
A question: I’ve heard that Georgette Heyer more or less invented the “Little Season,” which was defined a less busy but still valid social season in early autumn, presumably after all the grouse have been slaughtered. *G* From a novelist’s point of view, it’s a useful convention–I’m using it in my current book, in fact–but is there any validity to the concept?
I’m for the races, Nicola! I am a huge fan of horse racing, most especially British horse racing. Then the art exhibits. And perhaps dancing afterwards. Might as well make a full day of it every day!
I’m for the races, Nicola! I am a huge fan of horse racing, most especially British horse racing. Then the art exhibits. And perhaps dancing afterwards. Might as well make a full day of it every day!
I’m for the races, Nicola! I am a huge fan of horse racing, most especially British horse racing. Then the art exhibits. And perhaps dancing afterwards. Might as well make a full day of it every day!
I’m for the races, Nicola! I am a huge fan of horse racing, most especially British horse racing. Then the art exhibits. And perhaps dancing afterwards. Might as well make a full day of it every day!
I’m for the races, Nicola! I am a huge fan of horse racing, most especially British horse racing. Then the art exhibits. And perhaps dancing afterwards. Might as well make a full day of it every day!
I had the same impression when I looked to the first picture, it looked old – and then I saw the London Eye.
Thank you very much about stating when the Season started and ended, I just didn’t know it for sure.
Then, I’d go to the painting shows. Really. I love London museums, and the fact that the most important ones have free entrance. That’s a great way of promoting culture.
After that I guess I will take my significant other to a dance. A wonderful experience. Everybody should waltz at least once in her life!
What surprises me is that you haven’t mentioned any classical or operistic season event. Wasn’t there anyone? England was not so important as Germany or Austria, or Italy. But surely there had to exist something with a German Royal Family.
At least, nowadays the Proms are very popular.
I had the same impression when I looked to the first picture, it looked old – and then I saw the London Eye.
Thank you very much about stating when the Season started and ended, I just didn’t know it for sure.
Then, I’d go to the painting shows. Really. I love London museums, and the fact that the most important ones have free entrance. That’s a great way of promoting culture.
After that I guess I will take my significant other to a dance. A wonderful experience. Everybody should waltz at least once in her life!
What surprises me is that you haven’t mentioned any classical or operistic season event. Wasn’t there anyone? England was not so important as Germany or Austria, or Italy. But surely there had to exist something with a German Royal Family.
At least, nowadays the Proms are very popular.
I had the same impression when I looked to the first picture, it looked old – and then I saw the London Eye.
Thank you very much about stating when the Season started and ended, I just didn’t know it for sure.
Then, I’d go to the painting shows. Really. I love London museums, and the fact that the most important ones have free entrance. That’s a great way of promoting culture.
After that I guess I will take my significant other to a dance. A wonderful experience. Everybody should waltz at least once in her life!
What surprises me is that you haven’t mentioned any classical or operistic season event. Wasn’t there anyone? England was not so important as Germany or Austria, or Italy. But surely there had to exist something with a German Royal Family.
At least, nowadays the Proms are very popular.
I had the same impression when I looked to the first picture, it looked old – and then I saw the London Eye.
Thank you very much about stating when the Season started and ended, I just didn’t know it for sure.
Then, I’d go to the painting shows. Really. I love London museums, and the fact that the most important ones have free entrance. That’s a great way of promoting culture.
After that I guess I will take my significant other to a dance. A wonderful experience. Everybody should waltz at least once in her life!
What surprises me is that you haven’t mentioned any classical or operistic season event. Wasn’t there anyone? England was not so important as Germany or Austria, or Italy. But surely there had to exist something with a German Royal Family.
At least, nowadays the Proms are very popular.
I had the same impression when I looked to the first picture, it looked old – and then I saw the London Eye.
Thank you very much about stating when the Season started and ended, I just didn’t know it for sure.
Then, I’d go to the painting shows. Really. I love London museums, and the fact that the most important ones have free entrance. That’s a great way of promoting culture.
After that I guess I will take my significant other to a dance. A wonderful experience. Everybody should waltz at least once in her life!
What surprises me is that you haven’t mentioned any classical or operistic season event. Wasn’t there anyone? England was not so important as Germany or Austria, or Italy. But surely there had to exist something with a German Royal Family.
At least, nowadays the Proms are very popular.
Hi Mary Jo! Yes, I didn’t know about the site of the Chelsea Flower show either – a lovely bit of continuity!
Hi Mary Jo! Yes, I didn’t know about the site of the Chelsea Flower show either – a lovely bit of continuity!
Hi Mary Jo! Yes, I didn’t know about the site of the Chelsea Flower show either – a lovely bit of continuity!
Hi Mary Jo! Yes, I didn’t know about the site of the Chelsea Flower show either – a lovely bit of continuity!
Hi Mary Jo! Yes, I didn’t know about the site of the Chelsea Flower show either – a lovely bit of continuity!
I haven’t found any reference to the “little season” as such, Mary Jo, but I think there was some validity in the idea of London being busy at that time of year because parliament was sitting. Since the social season was tied so closely to the political one, I think there would have been a lot going on in the autumn but perhaps not an “official” season as in the summer.
I haven’t found any reference to the “little season” as such, Mary Jo, but I think there was some validity in the idea of London being busy at that time of year because parliament was sitting. Since the social season was tied so closely to the political one, I think there would have been a lot going on in the autumn but perhaps not an “official” season as in the summer.
I haven’t found any reference to the “little season” as such, Mary Jo, but I think there was some validity in the idea of London being busy at that time of year because parliament was sitting. Since the social season was tied so closely to the political one, I think there would have been a lot going on in the autumn but perhaps not an “official” season as in the summer.
I haven’t found any reference to the “little season” as such, Mary Jo, but I think there was some validity in the idea of London being busy at that time of year because parliament was sitting. Since the social season was tied so closely to the political one, I think there would have been a lot going on in the autumn but perhaps not an “official” season as in the summer.
I haven’t found any reference to the “little season” as such, Mary Jo, but I think there was some validity in the idea of London being busy at that time of year because parliament was sitting. Since the social season was tied so closely to the political one, I think there would have been a lot going on in the autumn but perhaps not an “official” season as in the summer.
LOL, Louisa! Why not indeed? I’ve only been to the races a couple of times but it is very exciting, even for me and I didn’t think I was a fan of racing! Not sure I have your stamina, though, to do all that and then go dancing in the evening!
LOL, Louisa! Why not indeed? I’ve only been to the races a couple of times but it is very exciting, even for me and I didn’t think I was a fan of racing! Not sure I have your stamina, though, to do all that and then go dancing in the evening!
LOL, Louisa! Why not indeed? I’ve only been to the races a couple of times but it is very exciting, even for me and I didn’t think I was a fan of racing! Not sure I have your stamina, though, to do all that and then go dancing in the evening!
LOL, Louisa! Why not indeed? I’ve only been to the races a couple of times but it is very exciting, even for me and I didn’t think I was a fan of racing! Not sure I have your stamina, though, to do all that and then go dancing in the evening!
LOL, Louisa! Why not indeed? I’ve only been to the races a couple of times but it is very exciting, even for me and I didn’t think I was a fan of racing! Not sure I have your stamina, though, to do all that and then go dancing in the evening!
Hi Bona! Yes there was a wonderful choice of events to attend as part of the season – and still is – and I totally agree about waltzing!
I only chose a handful of events to mention in the blog piece but both classical concerts and opera were also popular from the mid-Georgian period onwards. There was a programme on TV recently about how popular opera became in the Georgian period and how they would tempt rival divas over from Italy for the season. Might make a good blog piece on its own!
Hi Bona! Yes there was a wonderful choice of events to attend as part of the season – and still is – and I totally agree about waltzing!
I only chose a handful of events to mention in the blog piece but both classical concerts and opera were also popular from the mid-Georgian period onwards. There was a programme on TV recently about how popular opera became in the Georgian period and how they would tempt rival divas over from Italy for the season. Might make a good blog piece on its own!
Hi Bona! Yes there was a wonderful choice of events to attend as part of the season – and still is – and I totally agree about waltzing!
I only chose a handful of events to mention in the blog piece but both classical concerts and opera were also popular from the mid-Georgian period onwards. There was a programme on TV recently about how popular opera became in the Georgian period and how they would tempt rival divas over from Italy for the season. Might make a good blog piece on its own!
Hi Bona! Yes there was a wonderful choice of events to attend as part of the season – and still is – and I totally agree about waltzing!
I only chose a handful of events to mention in the blog piece but both classical concerts and opera were also popular from the mid-Georgian period onwards. There was a programme on TV recently about how popular opera became in the Georgian period and how they would tempt rival divas over from Italy for the season. Might make a good blog piece on its own!
Hi Bona! Yes there was a wonderful choice of events to attend as part of the season – and still is – and I totally agree about waltzing!
I only chose a handful of events to mention in the blog piece but both classical concerts and opera were also popular from the mid-Georgian period onwards. There was a programme on TV recently about how popular opera became in the Georgian period and how they would tempt rival divas over from Italy for the season. Might make a good blog piece on its own!