As a fan of the series The Bridgertons, written by Julie Quinn (also a Netflix show) I was wondering exactly where Jewish families fit within the upper echelons of Regency society. Did we have a place among the ton? I decided to look into the history, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Princes at supper, lovers in trouble, and Jewish families giving high society plenty to talk about. So, in the manner of the books and series I so deeply enjoy, I bring to you the Jewish Lady Whistledown. Allow me to introduce Mrs. Miriam Hart, who will bring you all the Jewish gossip of the season.
Britain’s formal Regency lasted from 1811 to 1820. This article follows Jewish society through the decades around it, from the late Georgian years into the early Victorian period, ending in 1839. For the sake of the writing style I’m using, I’m omitting dates in the body of the article, since they're presumed and the story flows. I mentioned I love fiction writing. Consider this an experiment in writing non-fiction in the style of historical romance.
I wrote this with a truly dreadful English accent in my head. I trust yours will do the material greater justice.
My Dearest Readers,
It is a truth universally whispered in the drawing rooms of Mayfair that while England’s grandest families pay excruciating attention to ancient bloodlines, a staggering fortune can make a new acquaintance very interesting indeed. And this season, our most prominent Jewish families are quite determined to write their own rules. They are making waves in the drawing room, the financial world, and even the boxing ring.
Let us begin with the rather unrefined sport of pugilism. It seems the Prince of Wales has found a new favorite. Mr. Daniel Mendoza, a Sephardic gentleman from the East End, has taken the brutal business of boxing and turned it into an absolute science. He possesses such astonishing footwork that gentlemen are taking lessons in how to avoid a punch. Mendoza gives private lessons to gentlemen, and the Prince himself is backing him in the ring. Let us hope his aristocratic pupils remember to duck, lest the family portraits require alterations.
While Mr. Mendoza conquers the sporting world, young Mr. David Ricardo has thoroughly upended his family with a scandal of the heart. He has married Miss Priscilla Ann Wilkinson—a Quaker bride for a young stockbroker from a Sephardic Jewish family. Both the Jewish and Quaker families opposed the match, leaving the couple without their support. Yet, this Author suspects we need not weep for the young lovers. Mr. Ricardo has a brilliant head for numbers. With help from friends in the City, he established his own business and began making a fortune to make up for the loss of his family’s blessing.
The gossip continues below, dear reader. A free subscription will secure your invitation—and Mrs. Hart has several households left to discuss.
