In July 1806, when Humphrey Hogarth was accused of cheating Henry Barry, the 8th Earl of Barrymore, at cards, he accepted the earl's challenge at a duel to defend his honor. When he showed up, cocked and loaded, he gave the gathering crowd quite an eyeful. Read on for more!
9 Quotes from Beau Brummell
Beau Brummell was the leading fashion icon of his day. So much so, his influence on men’s fashion has trickled down into the modern day suit and tie. Despite being at the forefront of English dandies, Brummell also possessed a witty mind. Ranging from witticisms, advice, and biting sarcasm, for your reading pleasure, here are 9 quotes from Beau Brummell.
William Brown: Sailor, Adventurer, Woman
While women weren't officially allowed to fully serve in England’s Royal Navy until 1993, there are reports of women dressing as men long before. These women worked alongside male sailors for months, years, and sometimes lifetimes without revealing their gender to their shipmates. Some recognizable women who worked as sailors under these conditions were Anne Jane Thornton (1817-1877) and Mary Lacy (1740-1795). While it’s unclear exactly how many women dressed as men to go venturing on the high seas, some sources say that the first woman of African descent to serve for the Royal Navy was Miss William Brown, birth name unknown.
Mary Prince: Author, Abolitionist, and Former Slave
Mary Prince was born into slavery in Bermuda. After passing through several slaveowners in the Caribbean, she was taken to England, where she shortly after left her master. She became an abolitionist and autobiographer, her written account being one of the few from women of African descent in the British colonies when slavery was legal.
Ignatius Sancho: Abolitionist, Author, Composer, and First Black Briton to Vote
Ignatius Sancho was an abolitionist, author, composer, and the first Black Breton to cast his vote. Read on for more of his interesting history.
40 Quotes from Lord Byron
Lord Byron is considered one of the greatest English poets. He established his popularity and legacy with long narrative works like Don Juan and Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. Several of his shorter more melodic poems also remain loved, such as “She Walks in Beauty,” “My Soul is Dark,” and “The Eve of Waterloo.” Considering his genius and wildly interesting life, it’s no wonder he’s left behind so many witticisms and profound quotes. Here is a selected forty for your pleasure. Read on for 40 quotes from Lord Byron.
5 Times the Prince Regent, the “First Gentleman of Europe,” Was Anything But Gentlemanly
George IV, the Prince Regent, was dubbed the "First Gentleman of Europe," despite being a gambler, womanizer, and collector of scandals. Here's 5 times George IV was anything but gentlemanly.
6 Times Beau Brummell Was the Ultimate Diva
Beau Brummell took Regency England by storm with his devious good looks, witticism, and fashion sense. He was an ideal dandy, meaning a man who placed importance in his appearance, pursued his passions to the utmost, and adhered to romantic ideals. Beau took these beliefs to heart, taking great pains with his wardrobe. He disdained... Continue Reading →
Lord Byron’s Skull Cup
Lord Byron was "mad, bad, and dangerous to know." He earned the phrase from his discarded lover, Lady Caroline Lamb, and he more than lived up to the infamous epitaph. He lived for carnal pleasure, taking men and women as lovers. He lived for carnal pleasure, left a trail of broken hearts in his wake,... Continue Reading →