Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History, has written more than 50 books specializing in British Christianity. These books include: The Monastery Murders, clerical mysteries; Lord Danvers Investigates, Victorian true-crime; The Elizabeth and Richard series, literary suspense; and Glastonbury, The Novel of Christian England. She loves research and sharing you-are-there experiences with her readers.
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Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History
A traveling researcher engages people and places from Britain's past and present, drawing comparisons and contrasts between past and present for today's reader.
Jane Austen Festival, Day Two, Signature Events, Promenade and Ball
By Donna Fletcher Crow ~ January 22, 2025
There’s nothing like starting off with a bang. In a festival that offers more than 80 events, two perennial favorites are the opening galas—the Grande Promenade and the Regency Ball.
After a hastily-scrounged breakfast Tamara served as ladies maid to see that I was properly attired in the white dress, blue silk spencer and matching ostrich-plumed hat she had made for me. There was little chance of my going out on the streets of Bath inappropriately attired with an expert on Regency dress in charge of my wardrobe.
We walked to the appointed assembly area at the Holburne Museum,
stopping every three minutes for a “May I take your picture?” request. Tamara was the star, Glenda and I supporting cast.
The regimental drum and fife corps led out, setting a lively pace with a beat that kept everyone’s spirits up as more than 1000 Regency-clad promenaders filled the designated route.
The sidewalks were equally crowded with viewers—many themselves wearing Regency attire.
We walked for two hours, often with arms linked, smiling at the cameras, waving to children, keeping time with the drums, and enjoying the perfect sunshine (although thankful for my parasol.) In short, reveling in every moment. The thought, “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this!” was seldom out of our minds and often expressed.
And then time out to be practical. Our lovely flat in the Royal Crescent offered a well-equipped kitchen.
But it needed to be stocked. We did realize everything had to be carried home—uphill—but we were hungry, and the items just seemed to pile up.
After a valiant effort to carry them ourselves
Glenda and I waited in a cool green square, while Tamara fetched the grocery cart left behind in the flat. 
After a restorative lunch and relaxing interlude, it was time to don our finest gowns and tallest feathers for the Netherfield Ball in the Assembly Room. We met our friend Brenda Cox (author of the wonderful Fashionable Goodness)
and indulged in even more promenading—with Tamara’s feathers being the tallest in the room.
I was determined to dance every dance—and came close to achieving my goal. I especially enjoyed “The Wakefield Hunt” for its simple pattern, and the fun memories the name stirred of our daughter’s wedding In Wakefield Cathedral. And, of course, the perennial favorite, and considerably more difficult, “Mr. Beveridges Maggot” made famous by the 1995 Pride and Prejudice mini-series.
The lilting music, the swirling steps, the glittering crystal chandeliers—it all went to my head like champagne bubbles. I was living my most treasured fantasies—in the middle of my favorite novels come to life.
Day 3: A perfect Sunday--A Regency church service in Bath Abbey, a walking tour of historic Bradford-on-Avon, and canal boat cruise complete with luxurious cream tea.
Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History, has written more than 50 books specializing in British Christianity. These books include: The Monastery Murders, clerical mysteries; Lord Danvers Investigates, Victorian true-crime; The Elizabeth and Richard series, literary suspense; and Glastonbury, The Novel of Christian England. She loves research and sharing you-are-there experiences with her readers.
Read More: Attending the Jane Austen Festival
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