Regency Era Historical Reenactments

Many people think historical reenactment activities are limited either to medieval era (from Renn Faires to the SCA) or to the era of the American Civil War. This however, couldn’t be farther from the truth, with reenactment groups existing on a broad range of times and places. One increasingly popular era for historical reenactment activities is the Regency Era, which is generally (but not always) considered for these purposes to encompass the first quarter of the 19th century. Whether you’ve fallen in love with this period of time because of the novels of Jane Austen or the age of sail adventures of C.S. Forrester’s Hornblower and Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey there are a range of activities across America and around the world for you to participate in. The following websites, organizations and events can help you with all your Regency-era reenactment needs from the where to go to how to dress.

Events, classes and exhibitions

The Elegant Arts Society
EAS offers Regency (as well as other eras) dance classes in New York City and an annual Regency Ball in New Haven, CT. Classes teach both figures and steps (many Regency events use the figures but do not use the steps, unfortunately), and are appropriate even for the most novice dancers. The EAS website also provides a list of other events for those interested in Regency events and historic dance.
http://www.elegantarts.org

The Jane Austen Society of America
The Jane Austen Society of America focuses, of course, on the writings of Jane Austen. They also hold an annual gathering that includes a Regency ball. More information on their organization, missions and events is available at their website:
http://www.jasna.org/

The Canadian Corps of Voyageurs
This is a historical reenactment group focusing on The War of 1812. Unlike many military-focused historical reenactment groups, their events are not just limited to battle recreations and there is plenty on offer for those interested in portraying civilians. Women and children are uniquely well-accommodated in this group.
http://ccv.northwestcompany.com/

The Bay Area English Regency Society
The Bay Area English Regency Society holds a number of Regency-focused events in the San Francisco area. My understanding is that they do walk through most dances, as opposed to using steps. On the other hand, I’ve seen some of the costuming work coming out of this group, and it is astounding. If you are in the area, they are very much worth your time.
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/Strasse/1815/

Ship’s Company
Ship’s Company is a living history group focused on the years 1775 – 1865, and since my original interest in the period stems from naval novels, it saddens me greatly these folks aren’t in my neck of the woods, but they are an amazing cool group seriously dedicated to accuracy with frequent events. Highly, highly recommended.
http://www.shipscompany.org/

The Bath Jane Austen Festival
This event in the UK is one of those things the Regency obsessed save and save to attend. The week-long event includes social functions, lectures and many many opportunities to show off your gorgeous costumes.
http://www.janeaustenfestival.co.uk/

The Historical Maritime Society
This Historical Maritime Society focuses on the British Navy during the time of Lord Nelson. They have a wonderful website and appear at many events in the UK.
http://www.hms.org.uk/

Earthly Delights
Australian’s can get their Regency fix through events offered by Earthly Delights, a period music and dance group that focuses on a broader time span than the Regency, but does do many Regency-specific things. They offer dance workshops as well.
http://www.earthlydelights.com.au/upcoming.htm

Costuming resources and shops

For women, regency dresses are fairly easy to make, even if you are an inexperienced sewer, and many patterns (and reviews there of) are available online. Personally, I recommend the Folkwear’s pattern for accuracy, easy of construction and correct fit. Men’s costumes of the period are, of course, much more involved and take serious tailoring skills. And while I know many people who have managed to create these items themselves, purchase is easier for many.

The following sites will help you have the regency-era attire you’ve always dreamed of:

Jessamyn’s Regency Costume Companion
This is a wonderful site, whether you are looking for a seamstress, ideas for a dress design ore researching patterns to use. She has a wonderful resource list.
http://www.songsmyth.com/costumerscompanion.html

Suttlers
While Suttlers offers high-quality clothes for historical reenactors of many periods. They have a number of Regency-appropriate pieces for men, including both civilian and military garb. The prices are expensive, but we’re talking about museum-quality reproductions in some cases. Stunning work.
http://www.sutlers.co.uk/

Regency Gowns
The seamstress here does lovely work. Women looking to have a dress made would do well to consider her pieces.
http://www.regencygowns.com/

The Costumer’s Manifesto
The Costumer’s Manifesto is great for anyone who likes to dress up and to make their own stuff. Visit their site for a huge collection of links and resources to the costumes of whatever era fascinates you. Their Regency and Empire section is fantastic.
http://www.costumes.org/

On attending Regency events

When attending a Regency Reenactment event, try to research it in advance. Some events are more focused n dance or costumes. In some people merely use the manners of the time, while at others people do play particular characters or personas. As a first-time attendee these things can be overwhelming, but polite formality (and an avoidance of modern slang or vulgarity) accompanies by inquisitiveness should ensure you have a wonderful fairytale time.

Additionally, women unfamiliar with Regency garb will be best served to where ballet slippers, or at least flats. The dances do not work well with heals at all, nor are they historically accurate.