Once upon a time, long before the invention of Tinder, romance was to be found in grand ballrooms.
Hold onto your petticoats as we explore the fascinating world of Regency Romance and all the reasons why it remains a timeless favorite among literature enthusiasts.
So, what exactly is “Regency romance”?
Regency romance is a beloved subgenre of Historical literature consisting of romantic storylines set during the Regency period in high-society England.
As this definition tends to prompt more questions than it answers, let us delve into a short history lesson to better understand how this beloved subgenre of historical romance came to be.
The Regency era officially started in 1811, when King George III was deemed too mad to rule over the United Kingdom, and his son George IV, Prince of Wales, was appointed as his regent. Prince George was a patron of English culture, style, and leisure.
Countless scandals and financial extravagances tarnished his reputation during his rule. At the same time, the aristocracy of England flourished around him and came to be known as the ton (from the French expression le bon ton, meaning in the fashionable mode). Ah, the ton—the original influencers!
The era officially ended in 1820 with King George’s death. However, historians usually look at the years from 1795 to 1837 as the Regency period, as the role of the Prince Regent was fairly prominent in the following years. A period of luxury, vibrant social activities, and extravagant parties among the upper classes of British society.
Their lavish lifestyle, combined with the strict social norms of the time and the general political climate of Europe, create a fascinating background for storytelling that captivates readers to this day. Wouldn’t we all want to know all the gossip that went on during those tea parties?
But Regency Romance is not a monolithic thing—rarely things are.
Authors and readers of Regency novels often make a distinction between Classic Regency fiction, Traditional Regency romance, and Regency historical romance.
Classic Regency fiction is a literary subgenre consisting of stories that were actually written during the Regency era. During that turbulent political and economic period, many authors dared exploring themes of identity and love inside the intricate social structure. The movement of Romanticism heavily influenced the authors of the era. Jane Austen, Maria Edgeworth, and Sir Walter Scott are some of the most well-known and beloved authors of all time. Oh, the existential drama.
Traditional Regency romance is a subgenre of literature pioneered by Georgette Heyer, who started writing romantic novels about the elite class of Regency’s London in 1935.
Aspiring to reach Heyer’s literary success, Traditional Regency romance writers tend to do extensive research and pay close attention to historical details, trying to mimic the exact behaviors and social expectations of the time period.
From the artwork that hangs on the walls behind our favorite characters to the countless petticoats they wear and the way they address one another, every detail is thoroughly researched and historically accurate.
The main characters of Traditional Regency romances are members of the high society that follow the restrictions of the time and act with elegance and grace—oh, if only the broody Duke would look our way. The romantic storyline is at the forefront of the plot, as the focus lies on the relationship and the courtship rituals of the characters.
Traditional Regency romance stories tend to be less explicit in terms of erotic content, as the emphasis is on the emotional and intellectual connection of the characters. These stories usually have a lighter and more comedic tone, with witty dialogue and dramatically humorous social situations.
Regency historical romance has evolved beyond the traditional formulas and encompasses a greater range of themes and subgenres.
Writers take more creative liberties, often forgetting the restrictions of the time period. If you thought the ton was scandalous before, just you wait!
Readers can find Regency romances that incorporate themes of adventure, mystery, or queer relationships. The characters in these stories do not necessarily subscribe to the common ideologies of the era and instead harbor contemporary ideals, which often get them in serious trouble. Scandalous.
The main focus of the plotline usually lies in the development of the romantic relationship between the main characters, but it doesn't necessarily follow the proper ways of the era.
Regency historical romance allows for a wider range of sensuality, from chaste romances to steamier, more explicit scenes.
Regency Romance first gained popularity in the 19th century with the works of Jane Austen, whose novels Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice showcase the societal expectations and dynamics of the time through clever prose, witted dialogue, and well-developed characters.
Jane truly had us at “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
In the 20th century, Georgette Heyer’s meticulous attention to historical accuracy and intriguing storytelling reintroduced readers to the Regency period. Her many novels have since become classics of the genre. You will find a guide for Heyer’s most beloved books here.
In more recent years, the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn brought the genre once again to the forefront of mainstream media. Released from 2000 to 2006, the Bridgertons books, follow the turbulent lives the eight siblings of the Bridgerton family as they navigate high society in search of personal fulfillment and love.
The Bridgerton series was adapted by Netflix, managing to capture the attention of millions of viewers worldwide and introduce new people to the romance genre overall.
Dive into the world of Regency romance, where ballrooms, whispered secrets, and societal rules come alive. Below, we outline the key traits that make these stories both captivating and unique. Let's explore!
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In Regency romance novels, social class conflicts usually appear when characters from different social backgrounds fall in love with each other. The great divide between the nobility and the working class often sets the stage for forbidden romances to blossom and challenge societal expectations.
These relationships face many hardships, as the upper class usually—meaning always—disapproves of unions that cross social boundaries. It’s like Romeo and Juliet, but better dressed.
The social hierarchy tropes inside the Regency society also plays a significant role in the marriage mart.
Loyal readers of regency romances will be able to truthfully attest to the fact that there is a historically disproportionate overabundance of dukes, earls, and viscounts in these romance books. And for a good reason! The ton, as the uppermost stratum of society, hold considerable influence and wealth.
Characters aspire to gain approval and recognition within this elite circle, often through strategic marriages. The pressure to oblige to the rules of the ton can create intriguing conflicts for characters that long for freedom and independence.
Some authors select to further explore the contrast between the working class and the ton, shedding light on the absurdity of the social hierarchy. What would the world say? People would speak!
Manners and social etiquette in the Regency period were seen as a measure of refinement, breeding, and respectability. There was an emphasis on politeness at social gatherings.
This included using polite language, maintaining a calm demeanor, and showing respect to those of higher social status.
The exchange of calling cards and letters was a common practice for maintaining connections by suitors. Lady Daphne Bridgerton would never get a “you up” text from her handsome Duke, as befits a suitor.
Visiting cards, elegantly engraved with names, were left at the homes of acquaintances to indicate a social call.
For women, curtsying was an essential skill. It involved a dip of the knees accompanied by a slight lowering of the head, and it was viewed as a sign of respect.
Unmarried young women were usually accompanied by chaperones in public settings. Chaperones were usually trusted companions, such as older female relatives, that supervised courtship activities. If only their wards didn’t run away.
The Regency period was distinguished by a strict devotion to social expectations and a plethora of activities that dictated the lives of the ton. Yet, beneath the facade of sophistication, Regency society thrived on a culture of gossip.
Reputations were immensely fragile, and one mistake could lead to social ostracism. The social season for the upper class was a series of balls, sporting events, and gatherings that ran every year from May to August. A busy time indeed!
The fashionable gentlemen of the period often spent their time riding, hunting, boxing, or shooting. Other common activities during the social season were carriage rides in the countryside, dinner parties, visits to the theaters and operas, and tea parties. These events provided opportunities for individuals to display their wealth and status and partake in the elegant art of flirting.
A marriage based on love was rarely an option for most women of the period since marriage was viewed as a transaction. Ah, the good old days when love took a backseat to family obligations!
Marriages of convenience are often used as the basis of an intriguing storyline. Characters are bound together in unions orchestrated by family members or societal expectations. They have to decide between their own personal desires and the fulfillment of their duties to their respective families.
In these narratives, the journey of the characters involves navigating the complexities of arranged marriages, discovering secrets or hidden depths in their partners, and finding unexpected love along the way.
The fashion of the Regency era was a reflection of the elegance, luxury, and social norms of the period. The ideal silhouette for women featured a high waistline that sat just below the bust. This created a columnar effect, with the fabric gracefully flowing down to the ankles. Empire-line dresses made of silk and muslin were very popular among the ton.
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To achieve the desired silhouette, corsets were still worn, but not as strictly as in previous eras—apparently breathing became somewhat important at some point. Underneath their dresses, women wore lightweight garments that provided layers of protection.
Accessories also played an important role. Bonnets and gloves were worn outdoors to shield the skin from the sun. Shoes were delicate, made of satin or silk, usually flat or with low heels. As for men, the typical outfit consisted of tailored trousers paired with waistcoats.
Cravats made of linen or silk were tied around the neck in various styles.
As we take our leave from the captivating world of Regency romance, we find ourselves yearning for a bygone era of corsets and courtships. Oh, how the grand ballrooms and aristocratic drama transport us to a time when love was a delicate dance of wit and propriety. While modern dating has its allure, there's a certain charm in unraveling the opulence and intrigue of 'the Ton.' Doesn’t it?
The Regency period has taken its name from Prince George IV, who ruled as Regent in his father’s place when the King was announced too ill and mentally unstable.
Pride and Prejudice is considered to be a classic Regency romance, as it was written during the time period and explores romantic themes.
Regency Romance is a subgenre of historical romance.
For more information about what is Historical Fiction, read here.
First and foremost, Nina is a reader; she devours literature with gusto, from classic novels to contemporary poetry to graphic novels and everything in between. She believes that within each story, there's a universe waiting to be explored, and loves exploring with company. She's often found sharing her perspective on characters, plot twists, and literary themes with friends. When her friends get tired of listening to her ranting, she writes blog posts sharing her explorations with the other bookworms of the internet. In recent years she has developed an inexplicable addiction to matcha lattes, but has asked us not to talk about that.
