TBM Forum:   Working on the Web Round-Up

Due to a serious hack endured by one of our members earlier this month, the Working on the Web section of the Beau Monde forum has devoted its attention to the topic of Safe Surfing in March. The articles cover information on how to protect computers while they are online, and how to get free software for both firewalls and anti-virus protection.

Next month, the Working on the Web section of the forum will feature the article for those who are interested in setting up their own web site which had been intended for this month.

If you are not yet a Beau Monde member, and would like to join us, please visit our Membership page for details.

I Love Readerware!

A cross-post from The Regency Redingote:

Readerware has nothing to do with the Regency, but it has a great deal to do with books. So, if you have a lot of books, especially if you sometimes buy second or even third copies of books you already have, you might find you will love Readerware, too.

I have more than a thousand historical romance novels in my library, and more than twice as many research books. Not to mention my large collection of needlework books. So many that I simply cannot keep track of them in my head. And then, last spring I found Readerware. I have never been more pleased with a software purchase.

Continue reading “I Love Readerware!”

The Last Revolution in England: The Pentrich Rebellion of 1817 by Regan Walker

Pentrich Rebellion memorialOn June 9, 1817, a group of village men from Pentrich in Derbyshire rose up in rebellion against the Crown. It was dubbed “the Last Revolution in England,” though it might have more accurately been called a government-inspired provocation to action, designed to justify repression. Why did the villages engage in such a futile action and what happened to them?

After the war with France ended in 1814, England suffered from great social, economic and political problems. Many of the major issues were the direct result of the war, but others were the necessary product of the changes occurring throughout society, some of which had begun earlier. Some had occurred in the few years before with the imposition of the Corn Laws that kept food prices high and the very bad weather that destroyed crops. And machines were replacing workers. The discontent that these occurrences brought, and the distress in the lives of the working people, culminated in the series of events that occurred between 1811-1819, including the Pentrich Rebellion in 1817.

The uprising of the common people in the Midlands in 1817 was just what the leaders of the British government needed to justify sending a strong signal to the masses that no rebellion, such as occurred in France, would be tolerated in England. The hundreds of villagers who rose up with the pikes and crude weapons (though a few had pistols) to march to Nottingham (with view toward reaching London) were ignorant of the true facts—that the government itself had stirred their rebellion. In truth, they fought “against the wind,” wherefrom I took the title for my Regency romance that features this little known event in England’s history.

Derbyshire
Derbyshire

The year 1817 began with a rally held in London in January, perhaps inspired by the Hampden Clubs, political clubs that advocated the vote for all men. The mood of the masses was rebellious and ended with stones thrown at the Prince Regent’s carriage as he left Parliament. While the Prince wasn’t harmed, with memories of the French Revolution still vivid in their minds, and the political clubs becoming more and more popular, especially in the Midlands and the North, the House of Lords adopted a spate of laws designed to control the stirrings of rebellion. The government suspended Habeas Corpus, and passed the infamous Gagging Acts. All public meetings were forbidden, except under license from local magistrates. Pubs and coffee houses, as especially notorious places for radical gatherings, were covered by the Acts, as were all public places. Sedition, that is to say opposition to the government, whether by speech or written word, was severely punished.

Of special concern to the authorities were the political writings of William Cobbett and his journal the Political Register. Cobbett wrote in a conversational style, and as most workers could not read, crowds would gather in meeting places to hear public readings of the radical newspapers.

In March, there was a protest by thousands of depressed Manchester workers. With a view to descending on London to petition the Prince Regent to do something to relieve their economic depression, they marched peacefully carrying blankets to sleep in. Thus, it became known as the March of the Blanketeers. It rained violently on the day the march began. As five hundred of the men marched towards Derby, they found the Hanging Bridge over the River Dove at Ashbourne occupied by masses of troops who were expecting an army of 30,000 rebels. Most of the Blanketeers were turned away, but twenty-five were arrested. Only a few got to Derby and only one marcher reached London to present his petition. However, the Manchester expression of discontent served to keep alive the government’s fear of revolution.

15th Regiment King Hussar 1812
15th Regiment King Hussar 1812

Concerned about the growing unrest, Lord Sidmouth, the Home Secretary sent spies throughout England, including the Midlands, to keep watch on the centers of discontent. Since these spies were informers paid by results, they quickly became agents provocateur, stirring rebellion where there was none so they would be paid. Among the spies was one William Richards, better known as William Oliver, or “Oliver the spy,” who incited open rebellion in the Midlands.

Oliver traveled to Pentrich in Derbyshire, disguised as a depressed worker (he had previously been in Fleet Prison), and encouraged the villagers to armed rebellion. He assured them there were thousands in London ready to join them in rising against the Crown. The villagers, in their ignorance, believed him. They were simple men who thought they were joining a great cause for democracy where every man would have a vote. They would soon learn they were wrong. At the same time that Oliver was making arrangements with the villagers for an armed march to air their discontent, he informed the local militia of the planned uprising, even giving them the date. Because of Oliver’s lies, the hundreds who marched on that rainy night in June had no idea they stood not a chance of accomplishing their objective. When the dawn came, the men faced a regiment of the King’s Own Dragoons and were soon scattered or captured.

Years after the events, in a letter written in 1831, Lord Melbourne, a former Home Secretary, recalled that there was “much reason to suspect that the rising in Derbyshire…was stimulated, if not produced, by the artifices of Oliver, a spy employed by the Government of that day.”

Jeremiah Brandreth
Jeremiah Brandreth

Notwithstanding the circumstances of the uprising and the involvement of the British government, the powers in London decided to make an example of the rebels. Forty-five men were tried for high treason by Special Commission. Three were hanged, including Jeremiah Brandreth, Isaac Ludlam and William Turner, the “ringleaders”—all characters in my novel. Fourteen were sentenced to transportation to Australia.

In examining the causes for the uprising in the Midlands, one cannot discount that the people had been through much hardship, and by 1817, were hungry and tired of laws and taxes imposed by a nobility that had little understanding of their needs. We, who enjoy democracy, might say their desire to rise against such hardship was not unreasonable. The motive of the government, of course, was to crush the yearnings for democracy and the vote that were so strong among the common people, and to prevent a revolution like the one that occurred in France.

Article contributed by Regan Walker, http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com.

New Releases from Beau Monde Authors

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New Releases from Authors of The Beau Monde Chapter (Regency Historical) of Romance Writers of America

 

Lord Of Secrets, EverettLord of Secrets by Alyssa Everett

Carina Press
Regency Historical
Somewhere on the North Atlantic, 1820
Rosalie Whitwell has spent most of her life sailing the globe with her adventurous father, dreaming of the day she can settle in one place long enough to have a home and family of her own. When her father suffers a fatal heart attack in the middle of the North Atlantic, Rosalie turns in her panic to a fellow passenger—the cool, reclusive Lord Deal.
For years David Linney, Marquess of Deal, has avoided the society of others. Even so, he’s drawn to his lovely shipmate, like him the victim of family tragedy.
As the voyage nears its end, Lord Deal is compelled to propose. But on their wedding night, Rosalie gets an unwelcome surprise: her handsome husband is strangely reluctant to consummate the marriage. Does she fall short of her groom’s expectations? Or is he hiding a secret past that only she can unlock?
http://alyssaeverett.com
@Alyssa_Everett
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alyssa-Everett/225976490775474
Also available in audiobook
March 2013

Against The Wind, WalkerAgainst the Wind by Regan Walker

Boroughs Publishing Group
Regency Historical
“A fabulous tale with exciting twists and turns reflecting a little known event in England’s history and, at its heart, a wonderful love story.”  –Shirlee Busbee, NY Times Best-selling Author
This is Sir Martin Powell’s story…the spy for the Crown in France you me in Racing with the Wind. It’s 1817. Returning to London for a new assignment from the Prince Regent, he allows himself one night of pleasure in the most exclusive bordello in London where he encounters a most alluring auburn-haired courtesan, who it turns out, isn’t a courtesan at all. She’s Lady Katherine Egerton–a young dowager baroness on the run from a man who wants her and attempted rape–and now she has disappeared! Sir Martin will sweep her away to the Midlands where adventure awaits.
http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com
http://reganromancereview.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/RegansReview
http://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104
March 2013

The Mysterious Death of Mr Darcy, JeffersThe Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery by Regina Jeffers

Ulysses Press
Regency Mystery
Fitzwilliam Darcy is devastated. The joy of his recent wedding has been cut short by the news of the sudden death of his father’s beloved cousin, Samuel Darcy. Elizabeth and Darcy travel to Dorset to pay their respects to the well-traveled and eccentric Samuel. Yet, this is no summer holiday. Danger bubbles beneath Dorset’s peaceful surface. Several of Samuel’s ancient treasures go missing, and then his body disappears. As Darcy and Elizabeth investigate this mystery and unravel its tangled ties to the haunting legends of Dark Dorset, the legendary couple’s love is put to the test when sinister forces strike close to home. Some secrets should remain secrets, but Darcy will do all he can to find answers, even if it means meeting his own end in the damp depths of a newly dug grave.
www.rjeffers.com
http://reginajeffers.wordpress.com
@reginajeffers @reginajeffers
https://facebook.com/pages/Regina-Jeffers-Author-Page/141407102548455
March 12, 2013

The Duke Diaries, NashThe Duke Diaries by Sophia Nash

Avon
Regency Historical
Book III – The Royal Entourage series: Six Regency Dukes–One royal hangover!
After the bachelor party of the century Lady Verity Fitzroy wakes up to find her brother’s archenemy, Rory Lennox, the Duke of Abshire, in her bed. While Rory has always fascinated her, nothing can convince her to marry this rake even though her reputation is in peril. Indeed, there are far graver worries to plague her. If she is unmasked as the author of the infamous Duke Diarries, no one can save her . . . not even the man of her dreams.
www.sophianash.com
February 26, 2013

A Baron in Her Bed – THe Spies of Mayfair Series, Book One by Maggi Andersen
Knox Robinson Publishing.
Regency Historical
Horatia’s plan to join the London literary set takes a dangerous turn. Now that the war with France has ended, Baron Guy Fortescue arrives in England to claim his inheritance. When Guy is set upon in London, a stranger, Lord Strathairn, rescues and befriends him. But while traveling to his country estate, Guy is again attacked. Guy suspects his relative, Eustace Fennimore, is behind the attacks on his life. Horatia refuses to believe her godfather, Eustace, is responsible. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter will finally wed, Horatia’s father allows her to visit her blue-stocking aunt in London. But Horatia’s time spent in London proves to be anything but a literary feast, for a dangerous foe plots Guy’s demise. She is determined to keep alive her handsome fiancé, who has proven more than willing to play the part of her lover even as he resists her attempts to save him.
http://www.knoxrobinsonpublishing.com/bindex.php?cPath=15&osCsid=1af35730b5e4460fdc335146939212fa
http://www.maggiandersenauthor.com
http://www.maggiandersen.blogspot.com
@maggiandersen
http://www.facebook.com/maggi.andersen
March 6, 2013 in the US, Available in the UK

Donnelly NovellasA Collection of Regency Novellas by Shannon Donnelly

Cool Gus Publishing
Traditional Regency
Four novellas from award winning author, Shannon Donnelly.
www.shannondonnelly.com
twitter.com/sdwriter
facebook.com/sdwriter
March 2013

Web Site Do’s and Don’ts   By Cheryl Bolen

When Jane Austen wrote her novels, she used a quill pen and a bottle of ink to make a fair copy of her manuscript on hand-made paper. She sent it off to her publisher, who had it type-set by hand, printed and distributed to book-sellers and circulating libraries. Her publisher might have taken out an ad in some of the more widely circulated newspapers. That was the extent of book promotion during the Regency. But for those who write Regency novels today, technology has made it possible to promote those books in a number of different ways. In today’s article, Cheryl Bolen shares some tips from a web mistress who has designed web sites for a number of prominent authors. Whether you have had a web site for years or have just published your first novel and are ready to set up your web site, you will find sage advice from a professional in Cheryl’s article.

Continue reading “Web Site Do’s and Don’ts   By Cheryl Bolen”

The Sharp Edge of Duelling   By Cara King

Today, Cara King, author of My Lady Gamester, which has been named Best Regency of the Year in the Booksellers’ Best Contest, shares her knowledge of the gentlemanly practice of duelling. Though it was beginning to die out in the early nineteenth century, duels were still fought during the Regency. It is possible, however, that there have been more duels fought in Regency novels than were actually fought during the Regency itself. If you are planning a duel in one of your upcoming books, you will certainly find Cara’s article a wealth of information on the practice.

Continue reading “The Sharp Edge of Duelling   By Cara King”

The Great Love Story of Llangollen   By Susanna Ives

On a recent trip to the British Isles, Susanna Ives, Regency romance author, had the good fortune to travel to Wales. While there, she took her landlord’s recommendation to visit Llangollen, the home of a pair of quite eccentric ladies during the Regency. Today’s article is the post she filed from Wales after her tour.

Continue reading “The Great Love Story of Llangollen   By Susanna Ives”

New Releases from Beau Monde Authors

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New Releases from Authors of The Beau Monde Chapter (Regency Historical) of Romance Writers of America

 

A Most Scandalous Proposal, MacnamaraA Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara

Ballantine
Regency Historical
After watching her beloved sister Sophia pine over the ton’s Golden Boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly-named Earl of Clivesden…the man of Sophia’s dreams.
Since resigning his Cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has set Julia in his sights, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man’s advances–only to discover more than friendship driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when she refuses him and her father announces her betrothal, he fears he’s lost her forever–until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society…
…and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures.
http://ashlynmacnamara.net
http://ashlynmacnamara.net/
@ashlyn_mac
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashlyn-Macnamara/178818875498486?
February. 26, 2013

Surprising lord JackSurprising Lord Jack by Sally MacKenzie

Kensington Zebra
Regency Historical
Frances Hadley has managed her family’s estate for years. So why can’t she request her own dowry? She’ll have to go to London herself and knock some sense into the men interfering in her life. With the nonsense she’s dealt with lately, though, there’s no way she’s going as a woman. A pair of breeches and a quick chop of her red curls, and she’ll have much less to worry about…
Jack Valentine, third son of the famous Duchess of Love, is through being pursued by pushy young ladies. One particularly determined miss has run him out of his own house party. Luckily the inn has one bed left–Jack just has to share with a rather entertaining red-headed youth. Perhaps the two of them should ride to London together. It will make a pleasant escape from his mother’s matchmaking melodrama!
www.sallymackenzie.net
http://sallymackenzie.blogspot.com
@Sally_MacKenzie
www.facebook.com/sallymackenziebooks
March 2013

By Love UnveiledBy Love Unveiled by Sabrina Jeffries

Pocket Books
Regency Historical
Miss Marianne Winchilsea is running for her life from those whom she believes have attempted to kill the king. Forced to disguise herself, she trusts no one—especially not Garett Lockwood, the Earl of Falkham, who usurped her family home and who seems to be her most dangerous enemy.
And what Garett sees behind her masquerade is a beautiful half-gypsy enrobed in mystery, deception, and burning secrets. A woman he should avoid at all costs.
In a world where treachery and betrayal reign, a sweet seduction rules their hearts—and dares them to risk their destinies on a passionate love that all the powerful forces of the world can not defeat.
www.sabrinajeffries.com

@SabrinaJeffries
http://www.facebook.com/SabrinaJeffriesAuthor
March 2013

The Heiress Homecoming, ScottThe Heiress Homecoming by Regina Scott

Love Inspired Historical
Inspirational Regency
To keep her cherished childhood home, Samantha Everard must marry by her
twenty-fifth birthday. Yet she refuses to marry on a whim, even to save her
fortune. When she returns to Dallsten Manor to say goodbye, the last person
she expects to see is her handsome, disapproving neighbor William Wentworth,
Earl of Kendrick.
Will is certain the scandalous Everards are nothing but trouble. He
shouldn’t care about Samantha’s predicament, but her feistiness and
kindheartedness intrigue him-as do the secrets surrounding her. Soon his
greatest wish becomes to persuade Samantha that her true home is with him.
Top Pick from RT Book Reviews!
www.reginascott.com
www.nineteenteen.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/authorreginascott
March 2013

If You Give A Rake a Ruby, GalenIf You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen

Sourcebooks Casablanca,
Regency Historical
RT Book Reviews Top Pick! 4 ? stars! “Galen is at the top of her game.”
Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery, finds herself embroiled in seduction and scandal when she is blackmailed into helping the handsome but dangerous spy Warrick Fitzhugh. He is out to hunt down the notorious crime lord responsible for the deaths of his fellow spies, and she is the only one who can help. As their quest leads them deep into London’s treacherous underworld and face-to-face with their inner demons, they find the only ones they can turn to are each other.
shanagalen.com
jauntyquills.com
@shanagalen
www.facebook.com/ShanaGalen
March 2013

 

Article 5:   Prep That Book!   By Gaelen Foley

Best-selling author, Gaelen Foley, explains how she prepares to begin writing a novel in her fifth article on the business of writing. Her novel preparation method enables her to have all of the pertinent historical facts at her fingertips, as well as in-depth biographical studies of her principal characters. With this information at hand, her writing can proceed without significant interruptions to gather more information. Will her preparation methods help you with your next novel?

Continue reading “Article 5:   Prep That Book!   By Gaelen Foley”