Bridgertons and Sharmas playing croquet

Let’s Have a History Lesson and Talk About What Time Period ‘Bridgerton’ Is Set In

So, you want to know when Bridgerton takes place. Someone wasn’t obsessed with this time period as a kid and it shows. JUST KIDDING; it can get tricky when you’re dealing with a fictional world of gowns, balls, and being promised to men who want to shower you in affection.

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The show takes place through the years 1813 and 1827, which is part of the sub-era known as the Regency era, in the Georgian era (that ended in 1837)—the Regency era known for things like Jane Austen’s work. So if you were head over heels in love with Simon (Regé-Jean Page), it might be because of your love of the time period.

So simply put, the show takes place part of the way through the Regency Era (which began in 1811 and ends in 1820), and so we will eventually see the end of the Regency era on the show, but they are all part of the Georgian era. I don’t think the show will ever take a dive into the Victorian era (which is from 1837 into the 1900s), but that remains to be seen. Still, the Regency era is a fun one for fans.

The Regency era is the best for romance fans

Colin Firth wears the infamous wet shirt as Mr. Darcy in BBC's 'Pride and Prejudice'.
(BBC)

The Regency era has brought many romance fans joy throughout the years, mainly in stories like Sense and Sensibility and, most famously, in Pride and Prejudice. Stories like Emma and more all exist in this time period. If you look at the novels that sandwich this time period, they are notably different in how they approach romance. Wuthering Heights was in the early part of the 19th century and Jane Eyre was heading into the Victorian era.

So the Regency period really leans into that romance, the beauty of a touch, and fans have clung to it for years. So it is not surprising that we have all flocked to a show like Bridgerton, given its setting! We are so excited for season 3 of the series, and if you’re looking for an answer as to why you love this time period, it is because we’ve been existing in stories from the Regency era for years.

(featured image: Netflix)


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Rachel Leishman
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Rachel Leishman (She/Her) is an Assistant Editor at the Mary Sue. She's been a writer professionally since 2016 but was always obsessed with movies and television and writing about them growing up. A lover of Spider-Man and Wanda Maximoff's biggest defender, she has interests in all things nerdy and a cat named Benjamin Wyatt the cat. If you want to talk classic rock music or all things Harrison Ford, she's your girl but her interests span far and wide. Yes, she knows she looks like Florence Pugh. She has multiple podcasts, normally has opinions on any bit of pop culture, and can tell you can actors entire filmography off the top of her head. Her current obsession is Glen Powell's dog, Brisket. Her work at the Mary Sue often includes Star Wars, Marvel, DC, movie reviews, and interviews.