Dark Days of Georgian Britain: Rethinking the Regency

During the Regency era in Georgian Britain, James Hobson provides a different perspective on high society by focusing on the lives of the poor and the challenges they faced. He explores corruption, bread or blood riots, political discontent, attitudes towards adultery and marriage, and the moral panic about homosexuality. He exposes grave robbery, food scarcity, prison, and punishment, challenging the traditional view of the Regency as a period of elegance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In the tumultuous days of Georgian Britain, James Hobson sets out to challenge the prevailing notion of high society during the Regency era. Instead, he presents a vivid account of a society in transition. Often celebrated as a period of grace and remarkable achievements in the fine arts and architecture, the Regency era also witnessed significant social, political, and economic upheaval. In this insightful social history, Hobson focuses on the lives of ordinary individuals, particularly the poor and the challenges they faced. Drawing from a diverse range of sources, Hobson weaves the stories of real people, exploring corruption in government, bread or blood riots, political discontent, and the revolutionary movements involved. He delves into attitudes towards adultery, marriage, and homosexuality, shedding light on the moral panic that accompanied these issues. Grave robbery, food scarcity, prison conditions, and harsh punishments are also exposed, providing a raw and unflinching portrayal of this society. It is a departure from the gentle portrayal of Jane Austen's England, where the popular hatred of the Prince Regent was widespread and where laws and new capitalist attitudes oppressed the poor. Through his illustrative account, Hobson invites us to reevaluate the Regency era and its complex legacy.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399077439