In honour of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, this year's Christmas talk is all about the Regency. Drawing on Austen's novels and letters, as well as the wider world of early nineteenth century Britain, Annie Gray returns for her annual foray into all things festive.
This was an era when Christmas was hotly contested: are you a Mr John Knightley, grumbling about the weather and the imposition of dinners and games; or a Mr Elton, always up for a bit of impromptu partying? Join Annie as she puts Austen’s Christmas into its social context – not forgetting, of course, the food.
Annie Gray is a social historian specialising in food and dining. She's written widely on topics from Queen Victoria (and her food) to the history of the British High Street.
Image credit: Farmer Giles and his wife shewing off their daughter Betty to their neighbours on her return from school, James Gillray. Yale University Library
