The Rake's Challenge is set mainly in Brighton in summer 1814, after the grand Peace Celebrations in London, to mark the defeat of Napoleon and the restoration of the Bourbon king, Louis XVIII to the French throne.
In Brighton, the mood is relaxed - the long years of war are over and people want entertainment. There were visits to the races, to the theatre, sea bathing, promenades along the Steyne, card parties, and for the lucky ones, [or not always so lucky] an invitation to an evening at the Prince Regent's Pavilion.
Below are some of the places visited by Anna during her seaside holiday.
The Steine in 1805
The Castle Tavern
[ digital image owned by the Society of Brighton Print Collectors.]
THE BRIGHTON THEATRE
As it appeared 1814-19
[ http://www.mayhum.net/hcobb_theatre.htm ]
Anna does try sea bathing but she ends up in hot water with Giles.
and in one of her dashing new gowns
[from Ackermann's Repository series 1]
