Author: stuart03630ebada

Georgian Lords, 17th Century history, 18th Century history, Georgian, Parliamentary Life

“Dismal” – Daniel Finch, 2nd earl of Nottingham

In this latest post for the Georgian Lords, Dr Stuart Handley, senior research fellow in the House of Lords 1715-90 section, considers the career of one of the more sober members of the House in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Dismal: adjective (dizmәl): ‘of a character or aspect that causes gloom and depression; depressingly dark, sombre, gloomy, dreary, or cheerless.’ [OED] “Dismal” was … Continue reading “Dismal” – Daniel Finch, 2nd earl of Nottingham

stuart03630ebadaLeave a comment
Georgian Lords, 18th Century history, Georgian, Legal history, Religious history

When is a degree, not a degree?

In the latest blog for the Georgian Lords, Dr Stuart Handley, senior research fellow for the Lords 1715-90 section, considers the topical issue of university degrees and the need for appropriate qualifications in the early eighteenth century. University degrees are the preoccupation of many students at this time of year. They are a passport to employment. It was ever thus, with the tenure of certain … Continue reading When is a degree, not a degree?

stuart03630ebada1 Comment
Georgian Lords, 18th Century history, Georgian

What Shall we do with the Children?

In the latest post for the Georgian Lords, Dr Stuart Handley considers the difficulties one peerage family experienced in providing for a large family, the strategies pursued and the resulting careers of the offspring of the first Baron Barnard. Eighteenth-century correspondence often focused on the provisions to be made for the children of a marriage. Good planning could avoid the unpredictable nature of the time. … Continue reading What Shall we do with the Children?

stuart03630ebadaLeave a comment
Georgian Lords, 18th Century history, Georgian, Local History, Military history

“Hidden Gems”: Three Derby Museums and an unusual gift

In the latest blog from the Georgian Lords, Dr Stuart Handley considers a rare holding by the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. This coincides with the major Jacobite exhibition currently on display at the National Museums of Scotland. Eighteenth-century Derby may be celebrated in each of the city’s three museums.  The Silk Mill (an early example of a purpose-built factory) designed by Sir Thomas Lombe … Continue reading “Hidden Gems”: Three Derby Museums and an unusual gift

stuart03630ebada4 Comments
Social history, 18th Century history, History of Parliament Trust, Stuart

House of Lords 1660-1715… and bowls

In today’s blog we’re continuing our exploration of the House of Lords 1660-1715 volumes. The History of Parliament’s first set of volumes to study the Lords, this five volume work is available for purchase at Cambridge University Press. In the fourth of this series, Dr Stuart Handley explores more Peers’ pastimes outside of Westminster – this time the sport of bowls… The bowling green was a … Continue reading House of Lords 1660-1715… and bowls

stuart03630ebadaLeave a comment
Stuart, 17th Century history, Social history

Tennis fever at the Restoration Court

As normal during Wimbledon, the country has been tennis mad for the past ten days, and with Murray in today’s semi-finals this will only get worse! Dr Stuart Handley takes a look back at another time when tennis fever hit: at the Court of Charles II… As all eyes are on SW19, one should perhaps reflect upon the popularity of the game of tennis among … Continue reading Tennis fever at the Restoration Court

stuart03630ebadaLeave a comment