About the Regency Era
The Regency era officially took place between 1811-1820, when Prince George was named Prince Regent of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland due to his father King George III’s debilitating mental illness. (You may also have heard of KGIII in a little musical called Hamilton.) A “regent” is similar to an understudy – they serve as the head of state if the current monarch is seriously ill, absent, or underage.
Broadly speaking, what we think of as the Regency era today starts as early as 1795 and lasts until Queen Victoria takes the throne in 1837. During this time period, Jane Austen wrote all of her novels, Napoleon was exiled from France twice, and what we now call the “Empire waist” dress came into fashion.
The Romantic Regency Afternoon
On May 9th, 2026 from 2pm to 5pm, we welcome all Bridgerton fans, Janeites, and Regency era enjoyers to our second annual Romantic Regency Afternoon in Adam Strohm Hall at the Main Library. To register for this free, public event, please use the link below:
Register for the Romantic Regency Afternoon
Looking for more Regency era energy after this grand afternoon of dancing, refreshments, and crafting? While you'll have to wait until next year for our official ball, we welcome you to peruse our fashion, streaming, and reading recommendations below.
Ins & Outs of Regency Style
While often confused with the showy and opulent Rococo and Baroque era fashions, the following Regency era favored simplicity and refinement. Whether you're preparing for our ball or taking inspiration for modern pieces, here's a quick cheat sheet on Regency style:
In Fashion:
- Empire silhouettes (high waists, slim skirts)
- Loose buns with curls near the ears
- Trousers (for men)
- Top hats
- Georgian/Neoclassical Architecture
- The Quadrille (and if you’re racy, the Waltz)
Out of Fashion:
- Hoop skirts and crinolines
- Towering powdered wigs
- Breeches
- Tricornes
- Gothic architecture
- The Minuet
Stream Regency Films & Shows
With a DPL library card, you can stream select movies, documentaries, and television shows for free on Kanopy. Here are a few films and shows focusing on the Regency era:
- Becoming Jane (2007)
- Death Comes to Pemberly (2013)
- Emma (2009)
- Great Courses: The Life and Works of Jane Austen (2021)
- Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Read Regency Books
The library also offers a variety of historical romance and nonfiction books focused on the Regency era for your perusal.
Historical Romance:
- You’re the Duke That I Want by Lenora Bell
- Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday
- A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
- The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
Nonfiction:
- Modern Etiquette by Sue Fox
- Afternoon Tea is the New Happy Hour by Gail Greco
- The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England by Kristine Hughes
- Inside Bridgerton by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers
- The Unofficial Bridgerton Cookbook by Lex Taylor
Author Recommendations:
- Tessa Dare
- Lisa Kleypas
- J.J. MacAvoy
- Sarah MacLean
- Courtney Milan
- Erica Ridley