A very interesting example of the really positive possibilities of open access newspapers – the response to Tristram Hunt’s column comparing 19th-century China and modern Britain is one-sided and perfectly fair. (You don’t really have to read the column, just the comments.)
Anne Rochford, whose biography was published in 1728, had, apparently a “virtuous” ealry life, then in later years became a prostitute. She then aquired a coffeehouse – Mrs Rochford’s – that became a site for fashionable rendezvous. Her biographer said she “had something Strong in her Diversions, loved to associate chiefly with Rakes, and affected Masculine Pleasures.”
Later she attracted royal patronage (mmm), and was allowed to open a “polite Cabaret” in the Palace mews.
Clayton, A. London’s Coffee Houses: A Stimulating Story, Historical Publications, 2003, p.100
I’ve just caught up with Roy on the always excellent Early Modern Whale, and his visit to the tomb of the formidable Elizabeth Hoby. If you’re unlikely to be able to make it there yourself, this will be a pretty good replacement experience.
Over on My London Your London I’ve got a review of Mariana Pineda – the 20th-century telling of the life and death of a 19th-century revolutionary heroine of the title.
An account of the making of a television programme about the execution of a 16-year-old girl in Iran for a “crime against chastity”.
The programme is on BBC2 tonight for those for whom it is relevant.
Over on Comment is Free I’ve started up a bit of a storm with a post in favour of unisex sport. Just as once Virginia Woolf spoke about the lack of opportunities for “Shakespeare’s sister”, I want to campaign for “Wayne Rooney’s sister”.
About