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Post by Sarha on Jan 4, 2008 15:45:17 GMT -5
Does anyone have any tips on visiting? Especially in relation to your host/hostess?
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Post by lastbloom on Apr 28, 2010 20:50:42 GMT -5
Here's a wonderful passage from Elizabeth Gaskell's novel, Cranford. It's set slightly later than our period, but the ladies of Cranford are older and very conservative. I imagine similar rules applied during the regency.
Then there were rules and regulations for visiting and calls; and they were announced to any young people who might be staying in the town[...]
"Our friends have sent to inquire how you are after your journey to-night, my dear" (fifteen miles in a gentleman's carriage); "they will give you some rest to-morrow, but the next day, I have no doubt, they will call; so be at liberty after twelve - from twelve to three are our calling hours."
Then, after they had called -
"It is the third day; I dare say your mamma has told you, my dear, never to let more than three days elapse between receiving a call and returning it; and also, that you are never to stay longer than a quarter of an hour."
"But am I to look at my watch? How am I to find out when a quarter of an hour has passed?"
"You must keep thinking about the time, my dear, and not allow yourself to forget it in conversation."
As everybody had this rule in their minds, whether they received or paid a call, of course no absorbing subject was ever spoken about. We kept ourselves to short sentences of small talk, and were punctual to our time.
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Post by dorothywillis on Apr 30, 2010 21:36:07 GMT -5
Remember the "elderly" ladies of Cranford were young when the century was young, so their manners were likely to be those of their youth. Cranford contains a great deal of information about middle class life in Regency England.
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Post by Lady Caroline on Jun 15, 2010 10:30:10 GMT -5
I just finished watching "Cranford" (via Netflix)....LOVED the series. In fact, I was dissapointed that it did not have a few more episodes, as I so tied up in the stories.
The clothes, bonnets, as well as the actors manner was spot on for this period!! It is so refreshing to watch actors who are not only dressed for the period be behave as people did at that time.
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Post by nomadicdragon on Jun 15, 2010 11:48:34 GMT -5
I just finished watching "Cranford" (via Netflix)....LOVED the series. In fact, I was dissapointed that it did not have a few more episodes, as I so tied up in the stories. The clothes, bonnets, as well as the actors manner was spot on for this period!! It is so refreshing to watch actors who are not only dressed for the period be behave as people did at that time. It's also refreshing when the actors have the correct accent. I abhore watching a series and the actors have American or Australian accents. It drives me positively batty.
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Miss Clockwood
Officer
"So you are going. And never coming back?" ~ John Thornton
Posts: 60
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Post by Miss Clockwood on Jun 23, 2010 17:22:37 GMT -5
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Miss Clockwood
Officer
"So you are going. And never coming back?" ~ John Thornton
Posts: 60
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Post by Miss Clockwood on Jun 23, 2010 17:26:04 GMT -5
It includes visiting etiquette, letter writing etiquette, the art of conversation, and lots of other things. Perhaps if I keep looking on this website, I will find more delightful resources and will happily post the links!
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Post by kmeireis on Jul 31, 2010 0:25:04 GMT -5
I would like to know who established all of these limitations? Why did it have to be exactly 3 days later. Why a quarter of an hour? Did the Monarchy (leaders of England right?) set it to their tastes?
All of this etiquette cracks me up. I think it is very neat, though. When I was a little girl I remember my girl scout leader teaching all of us rambunctious children how to sit properly and set the table properly and speak properly and at the correct time and so on. I think it was more Victorian etiquette. BUT, I Loved it! I do not recall any of the others saying as much though.
Kelsi
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