Of course a new exhibition with that title had to open on Trafalgar Day.


( Read more... )

After a lengthy drought in all things 18th century, the Antiques Roadshow finally featured something of interest to this blog again. And on one of your most popular topics: fashion!

A lady brought along four 18th century fashion guides, dated 1795. Illustrated with 174 of the most stunning fashion plates, these guides gave highly detailed ( Read more... )

It’s with great sadness that we’ve learned of the sinking of the Bounty off the coast of North Carolina, making her a victim of Hurricane Sandy. Fourteen people were rescued by the Coast Guard; two, Capt. Walbridge and Claudene Christian, are unfortunately still reported missing.

Bounty was a replica of the famous original HMS Bounty built in ( Read more... )

Once again the “Antique’s Roadshow” was full of surprises for the navally inclined among us. It all started with a couple who brought along the portraits of an officer and his ship.


( Read more... )

18th century and zombies - this movie would be worth having money thrown at even if Sir Ian McKellen, Andrew Buchan and Gillian Anderson were not involved. But they are, and as I’ve already been a good Mrs. Joyful this month and donated to worthy causes, I feel now the time has come for italics and the frivolous ones!

Edited to add: curse and ( Read more... )

I’m a little late this year, but I haven’t forgotten about Molly Joyful’s traditional Yuletide Contest. Some things never change, so you have once again the chance to win a splendid Christmas parcel!

“Pray tell, what may we win?”

The following!

( Books! And chocolate! )

"The Last Journey of HMS Dover" is a naval ghost story set in the late 18th century, taken from my book "The Radiant Boy - Four Ghost Stories from the Age of Sail". While the book is only available as a paperback, you now have the unique chance to download this one tale all through November for only £ 1.99.

My revenue per purchase is £ 1.23, and ( Read more... )

On this Trafalgar Day, you can raise your glass to our dear Old Cuddy and the other heroes of the Battle of Trafalgar at his North Tyneside monument.


( Read more... )

The new catalogue from Seaforth Publishing has arrived; here are the latest releases relevant to those with an interest in the 18th century navy:

“Poxed & Scurvied” - The Story of Sickness and Health at Sea
by Kevin Brown

( Read more... )

Here’s some news which will delight everybody with a love for the Age of Sail. And if you should lament the decline of figureheads as much as I do, then even more so!

Thanks to the enthusiastic divers of Finnish non-profit organisation Badewanne, the world has now one more 18th century shipwreck to study and admire. Their find is remarkable, ( Read more... )