A Timeline of Queen Victoria & Prince Albert’s Courtship

The romance, love letters, and diary entries of the three years taking place between "how do you do" and "I do."

White House Romances

It was a night of yes. Yes to the White House masquerade. Yes to a private tour by President John Tyler himself. Yes to hearing the soft strings and lull of party conversation as they ventured further into the candlelit corridors. It was a night of yes for Julia Gardiner until it wasn't at all....

Paper Hearts: Victorian Courtship Correspondence

Letter perfect! Read post on creative Victorian courtship correspondence such as codes, letters of refusal, and advertisements!

The History of Sealing Wax

The use of wax seals dates back to the Middle Ages. At first, seals were the exclusive purview of royalty in issuing decrees and authenticating documents. Each individual had his or her own seal, and in a time when many were illiterate, they were used in place of a signature. It was common practice to...