In the Victorian era, courtship was a business. There was even a term for it: "the marriage mart." Dowries, lands, and titles served as motivators for selecting a life partner. A gentleman might ask, "Is her dowry large enough?" A lady might ask, "Is his title high enough?" a However, finding genuine love and affection... Continue Reading →
Harris’s List of Covent Garden Ladies: A Guide to 18th Century England’s Prostitutes
Before the "Adult" section on Craigslist or hookup sites, there was Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies. Printed annually between 1757 and 1795, this pocket-sized guidebook acted as a directory to Georgian London's prostitutes. a a Each issue featured 120-190 prostitutes who worked in or near Covent Gardens, often giving erotic details and reviews on the... Continue Reading →
10 Times Lady Caroline Lamb Was the Ultimate “Crazy Ex”
Lady Caroline Lamb was a pretty woman with reddish-blond hair, a delicate figure, and freckles across her cheeks—but looks can be deceiving. This lovely looking woman would draw in one of England's most celebrated poets, Lord Byron, into an affair with her beauty and charm, but she'd turn out to be one hellish ex-lover. a... Continue Reading →