A new Regency Era role play sim has opened in Argyle, Antiquity Estate of Second Life. Some historians regard the Regency Era from @ 1795 to 1837 as a transition from the the Georgian to the Victorian period. It looked to the ancients for inspiration in politics, architecture and fashion and was a time of great cultural, political, and economic change. It occurred during the Napoleonic wars and as the English could not go abroad they developed their own resorts.
The harbor is Port Austen incorporates elements of seashore towns of the period. Take a walk along our quay inspired by Cobb Quay in Lyme which is practically a character in itself in Persuasion and other books.
Port Austen has a thriving commercial district, with several regency era clothiers. During this time women’s shed their farthingales and panniers for simple classical lines even as architecture shed rococo embellishments for neoclassical forms. The Empress Josephine raised the waste line, corsets were looser, and even formal attire was often made of comfortable cotton muslin.
"Beau" Brummell established a mode of dress for men that rejected overly ornate fashions with knee breeches and stockings, for one of understated tailored clothing based on dark coats, contrasting full-length trousers, immaculate linens and cravats - the beginning of the modern men's suit. He is also introduced the habits a daily bathing to fashionable society.
"Hydromania" swept the county and the well-to-do flocked to the seaside to take the salt water cure. Bathing machines were four-wheeled carriages with canvas umbrellas that concealed the bather from the public view as they dipped into the water so that even he most refined female could enjoy the advantages of the sea with the strictest modesty.
It is rumored that Jane Austen's ghost frequently haunts the Orangery where one can meet friends for tea. Greenhouses were usually attached to large estates but at this time public gardens were emerging.
Our maze is a small token of the serpentine labyrinth Jane Austen took her daily walks though Sydney Gardens in Bath - but does hold a few surprises..
Box Hill was the farthest Emma Woodhouse had ever been from home until her marriage to Mr. Knightly. Our Box Hill looks down upon virtual version of the Royal Crescent in Bath, where regency role players may rent townhouses.
The Palladium bridge spans the Avon just outside of Bath and the River Road goes through a palladium colonnade next to Nelson's Blood Tavern where you will soon be able to catch a tour coach,
Stop in the tavern for a pint, enjoy a roast beef and Yorkshire pudding dinner, or catch up on the shipping news.. If you wish to spend more time exploring this era though role play the Trafalgar Arms Inn rents well appointed furnished rooms by the week.
Virtual holidaymakers will find plenty to entertain them with the the seaside walks, public gardens, lending library, music emporium and clothiers. The dressmakers and haberdashers have a free outfit available for guest to further explore the sim in the habit of the era.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Antiquity%20Argyle/89/58/22
