The Interregnum period in Britain (1649 – 1660) can be hard to research. However times didn’t change that quickly in the seventeenth century. Examples from the Civil Wars and early Restoration periods can be useful too.
Here are some great links to seventeenth century evidence and other resource suggestions:
Characters
Sir George Downing in the Hague 1658 – 1672
Princess Mary Stuart – Charles II’s sister
William, Prince of Orange – Mary’s son and Charles II’s nephew
The National Portrait Gallery, London – every time I’m in London, I try to spend some time in The English Civil War room.
Spies
Female spies or ‘she-intelligencers’ – more on this academic project by Dr Akkerman
Link to where to buy Invisible Agents – women and espionage in 17th century Britain by Dr Akkerman
Everyday 17th century life
Titles and forms of address in Elizabethan England
Nobility – correct forms of address
Highwaymen in the 17th century
Vagabond dictionary – the language of thieves and cut-throats
The Sealed Knot events – these often have a Living History camp of followers who are really helpful. A big thank you to the surgeons who checked over one of my scenes for inaccuracies.
Coaching Inns in seventeenth century England by Deborah Swift
My Cavalier uniform – Sealed Knot re-enacter Thomas Zugic
British history
British Civil Wars, Commonwealth and Protectorate
The History of London by Walter Besant – Project Gutenberg
European history
Hague Courts – Theatrical and Cultural
Historical fiction authors
English Historical Fiction Authors
Sandra Gullard – Louis XIV fiction
Hoydens and Firebrands – Roaring Ladies Who Write About The Seventeenth Century
Fun and Inspiration
Swashbuckling Women Of The Movies
Recycled Movie Costumes – Stuart and Georgian
The Historical Fashion Resource – as recommended by website reader Mia in Colorado
Locations
Audley End House and Gardens, near Saffron Walden
Pavillon Henri IV – hotel in Saint-Germain-en-Laye near Paris