Bridgerton: Finding Fact in Fiction?

[@amybeth323]

What bothered me the most about the scenes where corsets were seen is that none of them wore a chemise. You can see the damage it did to her skin. Ouch!!

[@shariwelch8760]

Yes that was weird. I don't know if the people in charge of costuming were just that uneducated about historical dress, or if they were just going for something dramatic and to hell with reality?

[@davyd28]

@Charisma Girl It's more likely that costumers had no say at all about how corsets should be worn. Producers would be the ones to decide that chemises didn't look sexy enough.

[@tammievawter9477]

Glad to hear that other's scream at the screen during the historical inaccuracies and also the shout-out to Karolina!

[@roxanebarbey1394]

Doctor Kat mentioning Karolina just filled my heart with joy

[@angelairidescenceartglass6289]

I think we need to stop calling it a “period drama” and come up with a better term - “period fantasy” or “alternative history.” They are using historical elements to tell a story that is not “rooted in the period” but is instead firmly rooted in the present. It isn’t about the regency, but about modern life exaggerated and magnified. This is cool...but it does need to be carefully done and I’m not sure it is.

[@bixaorellana]

I take your point, but I think the very fluffiness of the production, the clever use of romance novel tropes, and the deliberately broad characterizations of some of the players all alert us to the fact that this is not a strictly accurate depiction of the period.

[@angelairidescenceartglass6289]

@@bixaorellana normally I would agree with you but I live in the US where there are far too many people who seem to believe anything they see on television these days. Having a term that distinguishes between a piece that is meant to accurately reflect a time period vs one that is a fantasy set in a time period could be useful.

[@bixaorellana]

@@angelairidescenceartglass6289 ~ Ha ha, no comment on our fair land (I'm from the US), but tragically I know exactly what you mean. As an addict of "period pieces", I wouldn't mind knowing a little of what to expect going in, which the kind of terms you suggest would offer. Thinking about it, had I not read a review warning me that Bridgerton was based on romance novels and that it deliberately took liberties with what is known about the Regency period, I probably would have been all huffy about the candy colored sets and clothing and the dubious inclusion of Black people in the aristocracy. Someone in one of these replies referred to Bridgerton as a "confection". That might be a good starting point for finding a term that captures this kind of production.

[@angelairidescenceartglass6289]

@@bixaorellana I read the novels back when they first came out so I had some warning. Have been rereading them and have been underwhelmed as I was the first go round. They weren’t particularly wonderful examples of the genre but then again, most regency romance novels aren’t particularly wonderful. They tend to be the laugh track sitcom with a single season or less of the publishing world. In other words, mildly entertaining for an hour or two and easily forgettable. The show is far more interesting and thought provoking. Ms, Rimes and her team deserve kudos, but fear the really interesting discussions we could be having will be swept aside.

[@PaulineMontagna]

Having read a novella by Julia Quinn, all I can say is that discussing her work in relation to its historical accuracy is a total waste of effort. You may as well discuss the historical accuracy of Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones.

[@RitaBaumann]

The scene in "Gone With the Wind" where Scarlett was tightlacing was supposed to represent her extreme vanity (tightlacing was actually rare). It's been repeated and misunderstood in "bodice ripper" dramas ad nauseum.

[@kahkah1986]

I think the book implies it is used as a dieting aid; Scarlett is allowed to attend a barbecue, but having already been made to eat and then been so tightly laced, she feels too full to eat the food being prepared in front of her. It gives the impression of an ethereal woman who doesn't have normal appetites to the men at the party. I always assumed this was based on the author's family legend, like a story her grandmother/ great aunt had told her. Although you wouldn't normally have passed out from corsetry, you may have felt faint/ sick if you did it that way!

[@k.schmidt2740]

At least for Scarlett's wardrobe, the tightlacing made sense, as the waist was clearly emphasized in her dresses (and in the ante-bellum South) - much in contrast to during Regency times, when you couldn't even see the waist.

[@marmadukescarlet7791]

K. Schmidt in the book it was about vanity, because she’s upset that she can only get down to 18 inches after the birth of Bonnie.

[@Author.Noelle.Alexandria]

@Charisma Girl "just as today most women can't possibly get into a size 0 or size 2." *laughs in size 0*

[@2012Ursula]

I used to giggle at the way women in costume dramas breathe so hard (after physical exertion or during extreme emotion) their breasts heave until I realized that the tight corseting was responsible.

[@IAmThankfulToday]

Jeez Louise 69k Subscribers. I was here before 20k, just yesterday. Couldn't have happened to a more deserving Creator. Dr. Wonder Woman. Engaging content + a baby in the midst of all that was 2020. Congrats and Thanks for holding the light and showing us how to thrive.

[@scarletpimpernelagain9124]

It fabulous, Dr K is keeping my brain alive during this bloody plague.

[@catnekokotyonok5180]

@@scarletpimpernelagain9124 Hear hear! I'm thrilled that Dr. Marchant's audience is growing & that it is occurring during this time of the plague! Perhaps people are looking to escape whilst "feeding" their gray matter!?!

[@prettypic444]

Aka “Dr. Kat joins the costume-tubers expanded universe”

[@aisha7923]

I really enjoy Karolinas content too.

[@camilledvorak7151]

Squeee! Ahem, I mean, yes, Karolina is very knowledgeable.

[@Hope-un5wv]

lol thats so true.

[@Bolshevik_muppet]

Yes!! Loving the reference

[@maryrhudy9250]

I can just hear your son's first words. Mummy, this show is complete nonsense. Men's pants didn't have zippers during the Regency period.

[@areyouhappynow99]

Kids will do that. My daughter did

[@hdwarrior8830]

Kind of like my 8 year old daughter upsetting a vendor at a gun show when she told him his WWII gear was inauthentic. It makes you blush with pride!

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

Only he’ll say trousers

[@savannahbanks]

I couldn’t watch after those awful costumes!

[@2012Ursula]

"Metal grommet, Mummy, metal grommet!"

[@ladykaycey]

I read the series of books years ago. They're romantic comedies and they were lighthearted and funny. I think I prefer them to the Netflix version but then I usually prefer books to their tv adaptation.

[@pookiepookie8669]

Ditto.

[@robster9667]

Duke of Hastings? There weren't any black dukes in England during this period. I'm confused.

[@Ammotive28]

Shhhhhh, just smile and pretend.

[@BigUriel]

If there had ever been a Duke of Hastings, there would have been plenty of black people in his house, and none of them family or getting paid to be there. But that's not very woke or fairy tale like. Apparently the key to solve racism is to pretend it didn't happen!

[@patrickgallagher3513]

I think Bridgerton is a reflection of the current age where it's thought that to portray something historical, accuracy could prevent it being 'exciting' enough for the public at large. It's not alone in this at all. To get things right takes dedication, work and budget, so I just want to focus on a couple of things. It does lead us, who can buy a new outfit to wear this Saturday and another for the following week online knowing that they could be on our doorstep tomorrow to underestimate hugely what went into the creation of fashion. The huge amounts of money that were spent by the rich. The huge amounts of time that were spent by nearly all women in doing white work. And of course the poor seamstresses who spent hours of toil for little pay in creating costly magnificence. Most people had very few clothes. New outfits were remarked on leading the gradations of society even within the ton to have been apparent for everyone to see. It's also very, very clean, in a way that just isn't true. the surfaces of roads, paths etc. were mud half the year and dust the rest, with quantities of horse dung everywhere.

[@ameliecarre4783]

Everything looks clean, and everything looks brand new or freshly repainted or refurbished. Not to mention very bright and shiny and colorful (and extremely sunny for a London winter). So much so that you have to know it's on purpose. It looks fake so you know you're in FantasyLand. Excellent point about the real cost of labour too.

[@k.schmidt2740]

Great comment. The natural grubbiness of past times is seldomly well done in period films.

[@pat412pear]

As a resident of the “Queen City” of Charlotte in the county of Mecklenberg, North Carolina, I just adore Queen Charlotte. Thank you for highlighting her.

[@calendarpage]

I've been to Charlotte once. You have some fantastic food there!

[@pmg60]

Thank you for this. I’d love your take on Poldark!

[@Anamal-wi8sk]

I loved that show.

[@tanyas6643]

Yes please!!!

[@mangot589]

@@Anamal-wi8sk I especially appreciated them casting Aiden Turner.

[@eks46]

Well done. The corset scene had me rolling my eyes as well. Regency ladies of a certain class did show off their waists, and everything else, by damping their petticoats, so that their dresses would cling to their figures (recall Mr Darcy's dip in the lake:-). For absolutely accurate (and entertaining) historical details read the wonderful Regency romances of Georgette Heyer. By the way, I loved Lady Danbury's comment on the Duke's outfit as being too black and white, a clever reference to the real Beau Brummel who introduced the fashion.

[@Keely_OReally]

I have to say, with all the liberties they took with this series, it was done in such a way that didn't make me constantly go 'oh that's not historically accurate', and it also touched on issues that we women still have to deal with to this day. Not to the extreme of how was in that era, but we still deal with a great deal of the strifes you see in the show.

[@ReadingthePast]

I felt much the same, the show was compelling enough that I could overlook (and dare I say, enjoy) the liberties taken with historical fact.

[@janetcw9808]

This is another reason why I don't have a telly. I'd be grinding my teeth. Good wishes.

[@phoebedoesit4168]

This! I normally can't stand dramas set in the past because I can't get past the inaccuracy. But This show was just pure escapism and what they got right just made me love it.

[@MariNimue]

@@ReadingthePast I have so much fun watching historical dramas and pointing out inaccuracies to my boyfriend. It doesn't take away from the show and my enjoyment of it at all. The Great on Hulu is a show like that. I know it isn't historically accurate, but it's entertaining and it sends a lot of people off to research the real story.

[@virginiaandsarah]

What irritates me is the way the stories are changed for TV or movie, let alone the historical inaccuracies. Since I have read the whole series, I will keep my visual impressions the way they are!

[@brandyjean7015]

Dr. Kat, my mom was only 1/16th Nez Perce, a NW Native American tribe. A recent DNA test I've taken confirms this. Yet she didn't present as a white/caucasian woman. She was held twice @ the Mexican border because of her dark skin, black hair, indigenous features: once with her own father & lighter siblings, and the 2nd time with a high school boyfriend. After that she carried a small copy of her birth certificate. A genetic anomaly, she was a throwback to her Native Heritage.

[@Solitude11-11]

I watched about three quarters of the first episode, had to stop, it just jarred me too much. Hated it. And was disappointed because I’d been looking forward to it.

[@smonroe1987]

I’d love for you to do a piece on the play The Madness of King George

[@shellc6743]

He had a physical disease, which caused him to appear mad. He was a true lover of science ..... and medicine.

[@monkiram]

@@shellc6743 Being an intelligent and passionate man doesn't mean he didn't have a mental illness and psychosis.

[@laurajones8943]

Fantastic review and historical analysis of this series. I have always been fascinated by the Regency period, with Tudor history being a close second. Thank you for infusing your opinions with relevant historical facts, providing glimpses of actual figures that were inspiration for the characters, and giving us perspectives from modern historians regarding the series. Beautifully done, Dr. Kat!

[@ameryek.9607]

For those who love the Regency period, The Poor Relation Hotel series by M C Beaton are the funniest, most satirical, and accurate. See also her The School for Manners series under Marion Chesney. You'll never think of the Regency the same! Incomprehensibly, nether have been filmed! ( She also wrote the Agatha Raisin mysteries and others).

[@LilyGazou]

Thanks for the recommendations. I need some entertainment.

[@roriemarie2968]

I screen captured this. Thank you!

[@scarletpimpernelagain9124]

Thanks for this, I cannot get enough of the Regency - real history - in my life.

[@catnekokotyonok5180]

I loved the Agatha Raisin series!

[@pixiepianoplayer114]

JUST finished a Karolina vid ( by coincidence)and did NOT expect you to reference her expertise suddenly. What a magnificent moment and happy happenstance of a youtube viewing moment!

[@alankohn6709]

Bridgeton falls into what I call Hysterically accurate and before I get trolled out of existence I put Sherlock Holmes, Ripper Street and The three Musketeers in the same boat. They are as much fantasy stories as the Harry Potter or Discworld books. They may be set in a historical period but any resemblance between it and reality is purely coincidental and instead of calling something like that a period drama it would be better to call them Historic Fantasy.

[@obcl8569]

This video was so very lovely in every way and also everything my brain needed during this "world is a little bit completely on fire" time period here in DC. Thank you. Subscribed immediately. Omw to watch more :)

[@Saezimmerman]

There's something remarkably soothing to me about Dr. Kat's intro. By the time I hear, "if you're new here, hi you're very welcome," the tension caused by being an informed American melts away. I've not watched Bridgerton, but it sounds lovely (if imperfect and escapist)

[@crystallong9625]

I’m always so extremely excited on Fridays because I know that Dr. Kat is going to upload some KZbin awesomeness! I have yet to view Bridgerton, but I definitely will now! Love and blessings to you, Dr. Kat, your precious family, and our Reading the Past community!

[@ronakino]

Dr. Kat: My son will finally sleep on his own. Me Three Years Ago: Tell me your secrets! 😂

[@ReadingthePast]

Absolute luck 🤣 if it’s dark, white noise is playing and he has his snuggy he’ll sleep through till morning! I’m very worried that a second child might be a TERRIBLE shock!

[@anniec7801]

@@ReadingthePast My daughter started to sleep through the night - it was quite a shock when she started having disturbed nights from teething!

[@eliscanfield3913]

@@ReadingthePast You could get lucky twice. I know a family were both kids were like that. Good luck. :) My own eldest's first 7-8 hour night was a fluke he didn't repeat for over a month. We woke up in a panic to sunlight in our window. The best part? It was Christmas night.

[@remycallie]

@@ReadingthePast Second child works out fine. You throw them alone into their bedroom and say "Go the hell to sleep, I have no time to deal with you, I have to lay next to your brother's bed and hold his hand for the next three hours to get him to fall asleep." First (adult) son still sleeps with a white noise machine. Second son could fall asleep during an earthquake.

[@catnekokotyonok5180]

Dear Dr. Marchant, thank you so much for this historical view of the basis for *Bridgerton* . It was eye-opening without casting shade on the series. I quite fancy the show as it's a feast for the senses. I look upon *Bridgerton* firstly for entertainment value, then each element, say, of costuming, speech & character dynamics before expecting an accurate depiction of the Regency Period. It works for me! Thanks, again; Cat

[@Jen321able]

For me it is nice to see a period drama I could imagine myself in where I am not a maid or a slave or something else lower class. I love period drams, and for me its escapism half of the time. I think its important to not erase the past, but also let people be creative with the stories they want to create as well. The corset part, bothered me, for I also watch Karolina and it instantly made me think of her, but I liked the costumes for the most part, even if they weren't completely accurate. I don't need every drama to be completely accurate, I need them all to be be entertaining. I don't think Bridgerton was intended to be too serious and I didn't look at it that way.

[@merindymorgenson3184]

Thanks for emphasizing the fantasy side of the drama. I appreciate hearing from your viewpoint as that is what I also enjoy about the Bridgerton series. Sometimes it’s nice to escape and imagine the world as a better place. In reality, most of us, if transported back in time would have been servants, if we were fortunate enough not to be in the workhouses. I think we like to imagine ourselves in the upper class if we were transported back in time.

[@scarletpimpernelagain9124]

Thanks for your point if view which is illuminating. From my point of view as a Brit I get sick to death of these people messing with my countries history and culture.

[@traceyperfitt1231]

Thank you for your comment I'm fickle about accuracy in period dramas and was erked that as far as I knew there wasn't many black people in the Upper classes who were black then. Reading why it's important for you helped me to understand instantly, no girl dreams of being the servant as you say, it now makes perfect sense to my limited brain lol

[@charisselewis6687]

Thank you Dr. Kat for a very interesting video....I too had to rant at the TV during the corset scene!

[@kendelrenee1]

I think the diverse casting choices of Bridgerton was made in response to so many black actors who were tired of being cast as slaves or impoverished in these lavish costume dramas. They finally get to wear the lush clothing and jewels. I'm here for it. There were more people of color than most people would think during that time, but they weren't members of the aristocracy. It's not trying to give any more of a history lesson than Pride and Prejudice. It's fiction and borders on a kind of fantasy that the costuming and hair leans into. Mrs. Featherington looks like she would fit in better in the 1880s than the Regency.

[@Nyquil5]

I'm so glad I am not the only one who has mini rants when I watch a scene in a period piece that is completely inaccurate. My poor hubby is always rolling his eyes at me when I do! I'm a professional equestrian. It drives me absolutely batty to see modern day tack on a horse from, say the 1500's. I then proceed to look for other errors and get lost in that instead of the plot. I would love to see you discuss the topic of women and their participation in sports in the Middle Ages.

[@kathyjaneburke2798]

I loved bingeing Bridgerton. Total treacly romance to lose yourself in. Thank you for covering it. I am curious, I enjoy watching Horrible History on KZbin and some of my favorite bits are the "Georges", do you have any thoughts?

[@marvincooper5368]

It's a very sad reflection on modern education, and especially history education, that many viewers will take Bridgerton as fact. History should reflect, and be accurately remembered for, both the good and bad and the bad not hidden under a thick gloss of politically acceptable smooze. I hope that the makers of this series are suitably ashamed of their ignorant or deliberate distortions.

[@nannyasmin]

Dr. Kat: there is only one way to find out what queen Charlotte really looked like... My brain: time travel!

[@mrbushlied7742]

My favorite Regency Period drama is "Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies."

[@k.schmidt2740]

Well quipped!

[@rsoubiea]

I’m so glad you made this vlog. Honestly I’ve been hearing so much about it but was confused, was it a real person etc? I’ve never read the books. So this was wonderful to clarify things for me. I love period pieces just for the reasons you mentioned, location and costumes. Glad to hear your little man is sleeping better, or on his way. Potty training was another challenging stage for me.

[@dar213311]

I finished binging the show at 7AM and then you posted this just 4 hours later. Lucky me!

[@Katielady329]

Hi Dr. Kat, My question for you is regarding the caricatures of Queen Charlotte produced during her lifetime. Is it reasonable to assume that the average cartoonist would have seen a portrait of the Queen at any point? I am curious about the use of them as evidence against her African heritage.

[@dot-to-dot]

I binge watched it too. All during watching it I kept thinking this is a historical romance brought to the screen. I can't wait for the second season.

[@jenniferberensen3048]

Fascinating as always! I also binged the first series! I always enjoy Shonda’s colourblind casting! However, I totally understand how an uneducated public can get an inaccurate understanding of history and the circumstances and actions that brought about the positive and negative situations we find ourselves in today, socially, economically and politically. Having said that, I love hearing your research presented in your wonderful, warm, passionate and humorous style. Thank you yet again!!!! I always look forward to having a notification of your latest post pop up!

[@jenniferberensen3048]

@Charisma Girl yes these are exactly my concerns, no matter how much I LOVE the look of the production and the story telling.

[@divertissementmonas]

Enjoyed this one Dr Kat, great artwork and controversy. It don't get much better than that!

[@michaellewis6510]

Thank you. My concern is that people may think the content is true rather than a phantasy

[@christinechild822]

Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to researching and presenting these episodes. I really enjoy listening to your presentations. Good luck with baby and the sleeping. It is a big milestone and very welcome.

[@cindyclark8983]

As always, excellent video. I wish I lived nextdoor to you so that we could chat about history over a cup of tea.

[@Sovereignty3]

Love how your also pick out inspirations to background characters, so much history is written by those in power and not so much is written by the common people.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I love Karli a’s videos, too. You are both so original and funny. Having an interest in historical clothing, I love it when you mention it. So true, Regency-era corsets didn’t even come down to the waist, they just fulfilled the basis corset function, bust support. Tight lacing is a cliche we have to put up with in every historical production, it seems, regardless of the fact that it wasn’t done in real life.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I thought I typed out Karolina, but, oops.

[@lynnedelacy2841]

What is the difference between marquess and Marquis ? Interesting that they sold Queen Charlotte’s possessions - was that commonplace for royalty?

[@talanigreywolf7110]

Pinsent Tailoring also went over the costuming as well. He had several issues with them.

[@ReadingthePast]

I’ll have to check that out, thank you!

[@annp8930]

Hello, Dr. Kat. I was one of those who subscribed toward the finishing of your "project," and I'm thrilled for you (I've produced 3 such projects myself, though they are far older than you). I thoroughly enjoy your scholarship and your presentation. I enjoy literature and history, both US and Great Britain. Paternal ancestors from Wales, maternal central England. It's lovely to know you, sort of!

[@itsaDean]

I very much like to treat Bridgerton as a piece of historical fantasy fiction. The reality is, as the historians say, far less wonderful than is explained in the show. That said, it is a wonderful confection of a show and I truly can't wait for season 2 ^^

[@sunnymountainhomestead3124]

My worry though is that young people watching will think life really was that way.

[@pookiepookie8669]

It was a book series that has been hijacked by today's world of woke-ism and turned into a bleeding heart fantasy to further dumb down future generations.

[@greeneyeswideopen774]

I recognized the errors early on but just accepted them at face value.

[@katbee8120]

I put off watching this and other videos until my day off and just finished Karolina's video. I live that you are calling to it because it’s brilliant. If you are ever wanting a video that breaks down historic costuming in movies and television you need to watch her videos. Hers and Bernadette Banner's videos are both wonderfully though out and educational while at the same time entertaining.

[@georgehunter7788]

I've seen some European women who look remarkably similar to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. I think people are overthinking this. There's a reason most scholars dismiss this "theory".

[@CopenhagenDreaming]

Congrats on the off-spring actually choosing to sleep! I know this is quite important for new parents. (I'm still trying to teach my cat to sleep at night, but I am aware that it's supposedly more work having a kid than having a cat, so I won't equivocate.)

[@ReadingthePast]

Dunno about it being more work, he stays where we put him (for now at least 😂)

[@CopenhagenDreaming]

@@ReadingthePast I suspect it's easier for me to leave my cat alone over-night to visit my BF than for you guys to leave the son alone for 30 minutes, though... (I actually kind of hope so!!!)

[@janetcw9808]

Oh, I don't know... 😼😹😹😹

[@angietyndall7337]

Watch Jackson Galaxy on yt where he talks about playing with your cat for 10 mins. before feeding them.

[@hollyerickson6364]

I so enjoyed hearing your viewpoint on this. I've been wondering about the historical inaccuracies vs realities covered in this wonderfully inventive show. Feel free to do this for any and all sorts of period dramas, it's brilliant!

[@jacobrobinson5606]

how do you get in to acadeemia if you have a learning disablitiy I'm dyslexic this is why I ask

[@nycstar1]

I binge watched the whole season, too! Thank you for your POV. I love the show! Hugs from NYC xoxo

[@luciadilazzaro2285]

Could you make a review of the second season of "A Discovery of Witches", please? Thanx

[@dmiller5765]

I always appreciate your commentary even more so now I've heard your pronunciation of the word tonne. After listening to a few historical fiction podcasts, I was beginning to doubt my understanding of the pronunciation. Thank you for this topic.

[@andreacalisi4699]

OMG my day is complete! My favourite YT historian namedropping my Meme-Mom!

[@Gritsnbutter]

As always, a delightful and well researched piece, Dr. Kat. Mentioning Karolina Żebrowska made it even more exciting for me. I have huge respect for the two of you: glad you found her too! I could not get past episode 2 for a plethora of reasons which have been discussed elsewhere ad nauseum. I found that the podcast Pop Culture Happy Hour did an interesting review as well. And yet, I feel for the makers of Bridgerton. Their efforts are remarkable in putting such an extravaganza together. I will, however, take a peek at Season 2 to see what they have taken from the rather lively debate at present.

[@nichola607]

Oh, I'm glad I just watched Bridgeton and saw your video! Loved both!

[@borkamilinkovic8639]

Thank you for a wonderful video! I wish I would of seen it before I watched Bridgerton. I am going to watch it again. I really liked it as you did. What a feast for the eyes!! I love all the George’s and their history 😃

[@sandramilfort9261]

Very very informative! I’m quite amazed. Best Bridgerton review and very intelligent too! Well done 🙌🏾

[@Pauline-wu4ej]

I hated Bridgerton. Its rare for me not to like a period drama.

[@TracyD2]

Same

[@PaulaSB12]

It was absolute crap

[@BBK83]

I'm so excited you did a video on this series! I watched it 2 weeks ago and wondered how historically accurate it was. I just didn't know where to start. Haha. Thank you for doing this! I hope this might be a common occurrence to compare historical shows to the real events. I enjoyed this.

[@robyndeddens6658]

I don’t really care about the accuracy of the show, I just enjoyed it and look forward to the next season. I think people overthink theses things (my sister included). Just sit back and enjoy theses shows and enjoy it for what it is worth. Fantasy

[@roxiepoe9586]

My two first questions: 1. Where does the money come from? 2. Who cleans the toilet? I don't think it is possible to understand any period/place/individual household without understanding the answers to these two questions. :) As an artist, it is my approach to understanding art genre, movements, revolutions. When there are no toilets, the questions go a little sideways! (P.S. Thank you for referencing Karolina Z. Every person should be introduced to this spectacular and funny person! )

[@natashaa43]

1) Land, always land 2) Servants (we actually see them) so it is much easier. Not sure if they have toilets in this slightly alternative history, chances are they are still using chamber pots and such.

[@shariwelch8760]

The money comes from the practices of Colonialism (basically the royalty taking from countries they had conquered and then looted of valuables and commodities such as gold, ivory, slaves, etc.), and then the royals bestowing land on their favorites, who could then generate their own money. Servants emptied the chamber pots. I don't think anyone but the very upper class had anything close to a toilet, and even those weren't proper toilets like we have now.

[@JessRodr]

Dr. Kat your intro. 💀😂😂😂 SO very relatable!!! Good luck with the adult time & baby sleeping through the night! 🤞

[@BBarn711]

It's always nice when the baby goes to sleep and you realize how much you really like your spouse. All my babies slept better in a separate dark room with white noise, and as a result everyone in the house was much happier. The George and Charlotte marriage is both encouraging and fascinating. Insist there were more marital biographies out there. I read a recent one on Martin and Katarina Luther that was fantastic. I want more authors to write more books on just the marriages of these amazing power couples of history.

[@kenny808kine8]

I cant stop reading about Eleanor and Franklin's marriage and JFK and Jackie's. Especially as an adult understanding life and relationships better. I'm also reading about Queen Elizabeth's and Philip's marriage now, the depth and context of history is awesome.

[@pinkpassion2911]

John and Abigail Adams also had a fascinating marriage.

[@andreahandte6662]

Dr Kat thanks for sharing this with us, I personally am enjoying it. Thanks again.

[@romybank]

Eye worked as an extra on Bridgerton. Visually stunning. But what got me while being on it is the fact that they kept darkening my hair, saying womxn didn’t have blond hair back then.’ ???? And seeing bleached white hair, dreads with yellow highlights amongst extras and featured actors...’’my soul is screaming now😂.

[@claireconolly8355]

Your videos are so carefully prepared, researched and presented. Thank you for all the hard work you do as I can imagine it is so difficult with a baby. I have just had a baby myself and I am struggling to cope a bit with lockdown and the drudgery of being in the house too much. I have reduced my paid workload so much I feel I am not using my brain like I want to! I listen to your videos whilst I am cleaning so I have a bit of light in my day and gets my brain ticking again. You remind me of my uni days when I absolutely relished listening to my history lecturers. Just remember that whenever you release a new video, there is one very happy Mama here!! Greetings from the Netherlands and best wishes to you and your family 😊

[@MasterJediDude]

My wife tried to get me to watch the first episode and we stopped about 30 minutes into it. This show has about as much historical accuracy as the TV series "Reign." I mean, there are inaccuracies that you come to expect from a TV series or movie, but it was just ridiculously awful.

[@GrubStLodger]

Ellis Cornelia Knight also wrote a sequel to Johnson's Rasselas, where she actually gives it an ending.

[@johnh1096]

Hi Dr. Kat, you mentioned snuff boxes, can you please explain what snuff is; was it used by everyone or just certain groups?

[@LilyGazou]

It was ground tobacco and people would “snuff” it up their noses instead of smoking it.

[@dianeterry8089]

Maybe the series will encourage people to look up the historical facts of the time. 💕2U & your family happy 2021

[@BigUriel]

People never look up history, and that's why it keeps repeating itself.

[@jrojala]

The Tudors inspired my teenage sister and some of her friends to dig in to real history, and my friend that enjoys Bridgerton has started asking questions about the historical inspiration for the show.

[@kaymunoz5507]

I am so happy this channel i could watch her all day

[@janetoconnell8295]

Loved loved loved the first season...can't wait for the second. I don't care if it isn't historically accurate. It was fun to watch.

[@paulacasey6111]

They also didn't have plastic buttons at that time.

[@roodbennett]

I really appreciate Bridgerton to be an "alternative universe" that would make history more palatable to many people. It is pure fantasy with elements of the reality in which it is set, I personally think it makes great fiction, and makes one wish that is HOW IT WAS, but it still isn't.

[@robster9667]

Should we do shows about how we wish other countries were in the past?

[@roodbennett]

In a romanticism sense, yes maybe? I look at France (5 km from my door, no joke), and I have NO ILLUSIONS as to French people OR history.

[@robster9667]

@@roodbennett I respect other people's views on this. Personally I want everything historical to be as accurate as possible. The only concession I would make is the language. In order for me to understand what's going on I need the English to be somewhat modern - although I would also be fine with subtitles. It doesn't end here though. There are BBC productions of Roman life aimed at Children that paint a completely false picture of how it was - with almost every other person being black. In those times almost everyone was white. There would have been a few north Africans but they are light skinned. That is the history of the UK and it saddens me that people are trying to erase that.

[@roodbennett]

It's santising history, AGAIN to make it palatable to modern "sensibilities". I honestly think Jane Austen would be aghast at that notion. It's the opposite of white-washing, it's political correctness washing of history.

[@nettie607]

I had heard about the debate on Beethoven's racial makeup. I had not heard about Queen Charlotte. Fascinating! Thank you so much for bringing this to us!

[@saraweinberglac]

Dr. Kat, Would you consider giving your personal review of the Outlander series?

[@1NYCHombre]

Thank you for this wonderful insightful post. I wholeheartedly concur with all your comments. I also paused to question, “Corsets! Why? This is the empire dress style during the regency! I also found the talented interracial casting an interesting choice. However, creative we must never lose sight of the realities of slavery at the time. As beautifully accomplished and enjoyable “Bridgeton” was, Jane Austin and the Sisters Brönte have nothing to worry about!

[@mi3helle707]

I thought I was the only one who realised this - and I'm nota historian. Why sinch your waist when you're not even showing it...?

[@swymaj02]

is Bridgerton iin Netflix?

[@isawa6649]

Thank you for the info on the series and the extra links. They were very interesting. I haven't seen Bridgerton so I don't have an opinion on it apart from the fact I am not in any hurry to seeing it. You and so many on this channel loved it. I might have to reconsider .... Thank you You are a very lucky Mum. Congrats on Gabriel being a good sleeper.

[@annarowden9457]

My ancestors comes from the region as Queen Charlotte, when I see her portrait. I actually see my 1st cousin. Being said, Viking or Scandinavian ancestry by DNA. The only ancient DNA was Neanderthals. As I know I'm not related to royalty, but then the Vikings did spread their DNA though the royal houses.

[@feezlfuzzl564]

So you're saying that during the Regency, a viscount's daughter would be able to marry a prince? Would that have happened before or after, too? I remember that 100 years later, England's prince married a "commoner," who was actually a lord's daughter. It was unprecedented.

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

Interesting about Q Charlotte, but begs 2 questions: if true why wasn't this remarked upon at the time?(perhaps you need to get into the Royal archives, Dr Kat!) and why aren't the current Royal Family showing these features? Tragic about the post of Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures. They need one.

[@mscott3918]

Read the diary of Fanny Burney, Queen Charlotte's assistant dresser. She comments on what pale skin the Queen had. The idea of Charlotte being black is a modern conceit with no historical evidence.

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

@@mscott3918 My thoughts exactly. Thanks for the info.

[@mscott3918]

@@beverlyfletcher4458 You're welcome. Some people also claim that James I and Charles II were black. Oddly enough, none claim Charles I as black. Very strange as he was son of James and father of Charles II. It's political correctness gone mad, and as a professional historian and writer it worries me that there is a modern trend to rewrite history. I have used the Royal Archives many times, especially in the last 2 years as I have been researching Queen Charlotte for a book. There is not one mention of being black or having north African ancestry. The Royal Archives are fantastic. The only problem that they are at the top of the Round Tower at Windsor Castle, and no lift. It's over 100 steps to get there.

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

@@mscott3918 Ooh, that's a struggle I'd really like to undertake but sadly probably never will now! Yes, Charles II's colouring was attributed to some Italian blood on his mother's side I believe and is the origin of those pub signs - The Black Boy - one of which is in Caernarvon. The pub landlords Greene and King are now hell-bent on re-naming these as they don't know the origin and consider them racial slights. One wonders what goes on in schools nowadays that leave people so ignorant. Charles II was also incredibly tall, but the woke brigade haven't got onto size....yet. Perhaps you'd let us know when your book appears.

[@mscott3918]

@@beverlyfletcher4458 You're absolutely right about Charles II. He was known as The Black Boy because of his swarthy appearance, caused by his mother's southern European heritage. So, obviously he was black. Or not.. I'm descended from him, via his liaison with Lucy Walter and there is no trace of anything African about any of us. As his grandfather was James I I'm sure there would have been, but our portraits back to the 17th century show no trace. So we aren't in the fashion. The book is on the back burner at the moment because I've got heavily involved in magazine articles. Two published in Best of British magazine this month and about 6 more lined up during the year. What a pleasure to chat to someone who knows facts not political posturing.

[@trojanette8345]

Q / SUGGESTION: What EXACTLY was / were the, "Dark Ages" and how / why did that period of history get its name? Would love to perhaps see a video on this topic. Thanks for the consideration.

[@annettea4334]

The Dark Ages is the period on history between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. It's a time where there was a supposed social and cultural deterioration in Western European society. The term originated in the 1300s but gradually came to be applied to the early Medieval Ages, eventually to the whole of the Middle Ages. Today historians and archeologists agree that the Dark Ages weren't really as "dark" as it was once thought. More and more evidence is being found that there was, after all, a thriving commercial and cultural life in Britain after the Romans withdrew.

[@Kris-bw7cv]

It is not historically accurate and I believe glosses over too much. Would have been much more interesting to show the reality of the time.

[@cattrigance6230]

Bridgerton brought me here. Your detailed and thoughtful commentary has kept me here. Very interesting!

[@mscott3918]

Huge amounts of historical inaccuracies, but having unexpectedly found it I loved it. I'm a professional historian and writer and should have hated it as much as I do The Crown.

[@haleywang5845]

I would love for you to watch Hulu's Harlots and do a video (or multiple) on it!

[@agelessinspiration]

I agree with you, as a portrait painter, in my view, she does seem to have features in the Ramsay portrait that could indicate mixed race heritage. She looks like an actual person not an idealized portrayal. Genetics are funny, things pop up generations later. I am also firmly on the fence, but I think it's a definite possibility although she would not have been viewed that way in her time.

[@cindyschell6870]

This was very interesting! I too have enjoyed Bridgerton despite some of the historical inaccuracies. It became very addictive. Good luck with your little one...my daughter is going through exactly the same thing with my grandson. I will tell you what I told her...this really is the toughest part (him not sleeping well and the two of you not sleeping well). After this passes (and you get to actually sleep!) You will feel like you can conquer anything!

[@kickthespike]

Absolutely, the corset scene got my heckles up! but I did love the show

[@marrplam6232]

Dr Kat, could you review the Georgian period and pre Tudor?🙏 The victoriana is so widely covered nowadays but not Georgian ...always a pleasure to watch your videos💜💙

[@Robinwhiteart]

the more I hear about Bridgerton the more I do not want to see it; I really prefer "period pieces" with a bit more accuracy; every thing I hear tells me to Stay Away from Bridgerton; your videos are very interesting because they rely on accuracy (hopefully) and facts, thank you!