Perhaps its just that sort of week for me but its definitely 5:00 HERE so here are some terms to take with you to your local watering hole to show you understand the drinking habits of we merry 18th Century barmen… Bene Bowse — good beer, or other strong liquorBingo — brandy or other spirituous …
Category Archives: General history
“Seven Rations” for the 18th Century Soldier
For regiments of the British Army, each mess (five or six men) was issued one bowl, one platter, one ladle, one cooking kettle, six trenchers (a plate on one side and a bowl on the other), and spoons. Using this equipment, the men were to prepare, cook, and eat their “seven rations” of food. Each …
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The ULITMATE Role Model for the Regimental Brewmeister — Arthur Guinness
Arthur Guinness was born on September 28, 1725. His father Richard, who was land steward to the archbishop of Cashel, brewed beer for workers on the estate taught Arthur the craft of brewing. When the archbishop died in 1752, he left 100 pounds each to “his servant” Arthur and his father. Using this initial investment, …
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Texas and the American Revolution
In discussions on the American Revolutionary War, the contributions of Texas are seldom brought up.[1] But in the 1770s, Texas, inhabited by Spaniards and Native Americans, was a hub of activity. While the signing of the Declaration of Independence occurred on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Tejanos (Texans) manned outposts, guarded New Spain’s claims, and reconnoitered neighboring …
Historical Tidbits
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. December 26, 1776 – 2400 Continental Soldiers, having crossed the Delaware the night before, marched to Trenton and engaged 1400 Hessian soldiers under the command of Col Johann Rhall. …
Historical Tidbits
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. December 26, 1776 1st Battle of Trenton Having successfully crossed the Delaware on Christmas day, the Continental Army attacked a Hessian garrison at Trenton on December 26, 1776. Although …
Louisiana Purchase finalized 12/20/1803
On December 12, 1803 the United States completed the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from Frans for $15 million. This territory encompassed 530,000,000 acres of territory. As the United States spread across the Appalachians, the Mississippi River became an increasingly important conduit for the produce of America’s West (which at that time referred to the …
Boston Tea Party — December 16, 1773
Although Britain had been victorious in the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763), that victory had come at the expense (literally) of a huge national debt. Having taxed local Britons to the point of economic peril, Parliament looked to the American colonies for revenue. Parliament instituted taxes on the colonies including a tea tax. Colonists argued that …
Author Jane Austen born (12/16/1775)
British novelist Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 and into a middle-class family in Steventon, Hampshire. She was the seventh of eight children born to Rev. George Austen and his wife Cassandra. Although she wrote only six novels and died in 1817 at the age of 41. Her works continue to inspire debate …
Bill of Rights Day — December 15, 1791
On December 15, 1791, the new United States of America ratified the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, confirming the fundamental rights of its citizens. The Bill of Rights draws influence and inspiration from the Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), and various later efforts in England …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 