In this episode, I’m joined by Hilary Davidson – dress historian, curator, and author of Jane Austen’s Wardrobe and Dress in the Age of Jane Austen. We dive once again into the fascinating world of Regency fashion and explore how clothes can tell stories just as powerful as words.

Hilary shares the incredible process of recreating Jane Austen’s pelisse, what dancing shoes of the era can reveal about society, the purpose of fashion plates and how they were used. We also chat about the evolution of menswear, and how Austen herself used fashion in her novels not just for flair, but as subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) indicator of morality and social standing.

So whether you're a history lover, a fashion enthusiast, or just obsessed with all things Jane Austen, this one’s for you. Pour a cup of tea and join us for a cozy, richly woven conversation that’s all about fabric and fiction 🌿👗📚

Places to research more on Fashion plates mentioned in the episode:

https://www.hathitrust.org/

https://archive.org/

https://lib.bunka.ac.jp/english/

Hilary’s Davidson books:

Jane Austen’s Wardrobe (2023)

Dress in the Age of Jane Austen: Regency Fashion (2019)

A Guide to Regency Dress OUT 2025

Where can you find Hilary:

@fourredshoes

https://www.hilarydavidson.net/

In this episode, I’m joined by author Molly Williams and illustrator Jessica Roux, the brilliant minds behind Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Companion to Her Novels.

Together, we explore the plants, flowers, and gardens that shaped Austen’s world and how they feature in her beloved works.We delve into the influence of Capability Brown, the fascinating world of Floriography—the secret language of flowers—and how gardening in Austen’s time was not just a pastime but a political rebellion against the French. From the grand estates of Pride and Prejudice to the wild, romantic landscapes of Sense and Sensibility, we uncover the deeper significance of nature in Austen’s novels.

Watch the video on Youtube

Books & Oracle Deck Mentioned:

🌸 Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels🌸 Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers

🌸 Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck

Find them on Instagram:📷 @jessicasroux📷 @theplantladi

Join me for an insightful conversation with Gill Hornby, author of Miss Austen, a captivating novel that reimagines the life of Cassandra Austen — Jane Austen’s beloved sister. We delve into Cassandra’s pivotal role in Jane’s life and legacy, the inspiration behind the book, and the journey of adapting it into the widely popular BBC mini-series.Gill shares her thoughts on bringing Cassandra’s untold story to life, balancing fact with fiction, and what viewers can expect from her upcoming novel The Elopement out 22nd May.

Gills books are available in local bookshops and Waterstones. KindleAudiobook

Miss Austen is now available in the UK on BBC iplayer and will be out in the US in May.

@gill.hornby

@whattheausten