Grit and Grace: An afternoon of talks on the Regency Era
Join us for an afternoon of captivating talks from Historian Dr. Annie Gray, Author Rebecca Wilson and Archivist Laura Orriss.
Date - Saturday 9 May 2026
Time - 1pm to 4pm
Location - The Courthouse, Warwick
Celebrate the remarkable women who stood out in the Regency era and the culinary delights that defined the period. Join us for an afternoon of captivating talks from Historian Dr. Annie Gray, Author Rebecca Wilson and Archivist Laura Orriss.
A variety of books will be available to purchase from Warwick Books and there will be an opportunity to get them signed by our speakers.
12.30pm - 1pm, Registration
1pm - 1.45pm, Laura Orriss, archivist.
A Life by Prophecy: Sarah, Countess of Warwick
When Sarah had her fortune told, she thought it was just a bit of fun. After a whirlwind of Regency romances and great personal tragedies, had her life been entirely foretold? Join Laura as she tells the story of one of Warwick’s most forgotten countesses.
1.45pm – 2.30pm, Rebecca Wilson
Un Lady like’ Women of the Georgian Period
Well behaved women seldom make history, and it is true. It is a truth universally acknowledged that to be un-lady-like in the Georgian Age was a tragic and shocking thing indeed. Polite society expected women to be quiet, reserved, but some women fought against the shackles that held them back and paved the way for the rest of us.
This talk is a look at four such women, of the Georgian era, Mary Anning, Anne Lister, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Lady Sarah Pennington, who with their strength, tenacity, and sheer determination, carved out their lives against the typical expectations of the day.
2.30pm - 3pm Tea and Coffee served.
3pm - 3.45pm, Dr. Annie Gray
A 'poor attempt at rout cakes': eating well in Regency England
The late eighteenth century had the best food in history, eaten in a style which has never been bettered. From (good) rout cakes to (even better) riotous dinners, food historian Dr Annie Gray explains why the era was so pivotal in the birth of an identifiably British cuisine. She'll set into context all of Austen's ball suppers and explain exactly why so many people had gout. Drawing upon satire, literature and many years of wearing Regency fashion while cooking Regency food, Annie will take us through the eating rituals of the bon ton, as well as considering the foods themselves.
Tickets are £20 plus booking fees.
