The Love and Lore of the Seaside in Jane Austen’s Time

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of giving a talk to members of the Minnesota Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. I shared highlights from my research into English seaside resorts and customs during the Georgian and Regency eras, from the rising popularity of resort towns, their social activities and amenities, bathing machines, bathing costumes, beliefs about the medicinal value of sea bathing—and even the drinking of sea water! This research provided the framework for the On Devonshire Shores series.

I shared historical perspectives, quotes about people’s views of the sea (for recreation as well as health), royal experiences with bathing machines and sea bathing, and more. Here are a few of the quotes I shared:

…no person could be really well…could be really in a state of secure and permanent health without spending at least six weeks by the sea every year. Nobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing – fortifying and bracing….”

—Jane Austen, “The Brothers,” later renamed Sanditon

Ah! my dear, but Perry had many doubts about the sea doing her any good; and as to myself, I have been long perfectly convinced…that the sea is very rarely of use to anybody. I am sure it almost killed me once.”

—Jane Austen, Emma

During the talk, my friend and sister-author Erica Vetsch modeled a replica Regency-era bathing costume.

Afterward, I took audience questions—my favorite part of any talk.

I enjoyed the morning and time with fellow Austen enthusiasts, many of whom have become friends. What about you? Do you belong to JASNA or some other organization? Tell us about it in the comments.