Regency Social Life: The Public Assembly
By Maria Grace In the Regency era, an active social season was not limited to London. Most country towns had a formal social season during the autumn and winter months, often beginning in early to mid-October. Extra events might also take place in the spring. Public assemblies or balls were usually scheduled to coincide with the full moon to ease travel. Traveling at night, especially for those with a considerably journey to an assembly, was not considered safe without the light of a full moon. Assemblies were held at local inns or assembly rooms, typically between the hours of 8pm and 11:30 pm. Subscriptions funded the events. A season's subscription might cost anywhere between £1 in the country to 10 guineas in London. Attendance was only limited by the ability to pay for the subscription and to dress appropriately for the event. Consequently, the company would be mixed, those of rank mingling with the lower orders. Assembly Rooms Assembly room...