Test Your Knowledge Of Regency-era England

1. “Coming out” in this era meant:

Dressing a bit too provocatively.

A girl being formally presented in society.

Publicly disclosing your sexual orientation.

When a girl came out, it meant she was of marriageable age. If a girl was not married by thirty, she was considered an old maid.

Explanation

When a girl came out, it meant she was of marriageable age. If a girl was not married by thirty, she was considered an old maid.

2. You are the eldest of three daughters. Your father has an enormous estate. You are entitled to inherit:

The whole estate, as you are the eldest

A third of the estate

Nothing

The entire estate goes to the closest young male relative.

Explanation

The entire estate goes to the closest young male relative.

3. This title is the highest ranking:

Earl

Baronet

Knight

Earls belonged to the highest group of society, known as "The Peerage." Baronets and knights were on the lower rung of the aristocracy. Knighthood was the only title that was not inherited.

Explanation

Earls belonged to the highest group of society, known as "The Peerage." Baronets and knights were on the lower rung of the aristocracy. Knighthood was the only title that was not inherited.

4. This would have been suitable employment for a middle-class woman who did not marry:

A ladies' companion

A writer

A teacher

A ladies' companion would have been a suitable employment for a middle-class woman who did not marry because it would have provided her with a respectable and socially acceptable role in society. As a ladies' companion, she would have been able to accompany and assist an upper-class woman in her daily activities, providing companionship, conversation, and support. This role would have allowed her to maintain a certain level of independence and financial stability while also fulfilling the societal expectations placed on unmarried middle-class women during that time period.

Explanation

A ladies' companion would have been a suitable employment for a middle-class woman who did not marry because it would have provided her with a respectable and socially acceptable role in society. As a ladies' companion, she would have been able to accompany and assist an upper-class woman in her daily activities, providing companionship, conversation, and support. This role would have allowed her to maintain a certain level of independence and financial stability while also fulfilling the societal expectations placed on unmarried middle-class women during that time period.

5. You are the younger of two brothers in a wealthy family, which has a grand estate. You plan to support yourself in the future by:

Living off your inheritance from the estate (divided between you and your brother)

Getting a job

Going into the clergy

As second son, you will not inherit the estate. But your family is wealthy and can likely secure you a large house and lifetime employment as a pastor.

Explanation

As second son, you will not inherit the estate. But your family is wealthy and can likely secure you a large house and lifetime employment as a pastor.