Eras and Periods

Regency Period — 1811–1820

The official Regency period began in 1811, when King George III was declared incapable of carrying out his royal duties and his eldest son, George, Prince of Wales, became Prince Regent. The Regency ended with George III’s death in 1820, when the Prince Regent succeeded him as King George IV.

In decorative arts and design, however, the term ‘Regency’ is often applied more broadly to styles that developed before 1811 and continued beyond 1820.

Late Georgian Era — c. 1790–1830

The Georgian era takes its name from the successive reigns of Kings George I, George II, George III and George IV. The term ‘Late Georgian’ is generally used for the closing decades of this period and therefore overlaps with both the Regency and the reign of George IV.

George IV reigned from 1820 until his death in 1830, when he was succeeded by his younger brother, William IV.

William IV Period — 1830–1837

William IV, the third son of George III and younger brother of George IV, succeeded to the throne in 1830. He reigned until his death in 1837, when he was succeeded by his niece, Queen Victoria.

The term ‘William IV period’ is commonly used in the decorative arts to describe objects made during his relatively short reign.

Victorian Era — 1837–1901

Queen Victoria succeeded to the throne in 1837 and reigned until her death in 1901. Her reign of 63 years and seven months is known as the Victorian era and encompassed considerable changes in British society, industry, art and design.

Edwardian Era — 1901–1910

Edward VII, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, succeeded to the throne in 1901 and reigned until his death in 1910. His reign is known as the Edwardian era.

In discussions of social history, fashion and design, the term is sometimes used more broadly for the years immediately before the First World War, although 1901–1910 remains the precise period of Edward VII’s reign.