INSIDE THE WORLD OF BRIDGERTON

This book is a must-read for Bridgerton fans, covering every aspect of Regency society to enable keen viewers to navigate the labyrinth of the "haut ton". As George III slowly descended into madness, in 1811 the Prince of Wales, "Prinny", became Prince Regent and presided over ten years of aristocratic freedom and debauchery, all conducted according to strict but unspoken rules. Prinny's wife Caroline of Brunswick, whom he hated, was equally unbridled in her behaviour but very much more popular with the public, and meanwhile Prinny's secret wife, Maria Fitzherbert, was not recognised by English law but was a potent force in the background. Dukes, earls, baronets and knights formed an aristocratic circle round the king, distinguished by membership of gentlemen's clubs such as Brooke's or Almack's. Country gentry were next in the hierarchy, together with the younger sons of aristocrats who pursued careers in the military or church. Aristocratic women were expected to marry within their own class, but it could prove difficult if they were not able to raise a substantial dowry to deploy in the "marriage-market". A woman's wealth became her husband's property and the richest woman in the country, Catherine Tylney-Long, was blamed for her bad choice when she married a rake who spent every penny. An aspect of Bridgerton that has caught the public interest is racial diversity, with Queen Charlotte having a black heritage. In fact Regency England was home to 15,000 black people, but they were subject to severe discrimination. The author also covers fashion for both woman and men, travel, health, sex and marriage. 192pp, illustrations, timeline.