Top 10 Times Bridgerton Was Historically Inaccurate

This series’ use of diverse casting is one of the most praised and contentious aspects of “Bridgerton.” Is it realistic or a modern fantasy? There were plenty of non-white people living in London in the Regency Era. Some were even part of nobility, like Dido Elizabeth Belle. However, slavery was not prohibited in the British Empire until 1833. Interracial relationships occurred, but were likely much more rare than what appears on the show. The majority of English nobility was white. “Bridgerton”’s colorblind society is more of a creative choice than a precise portrayal of the history.

However you feel about this series’ up-dos and down-dos, real-life Regency hairstyles do have some overlap with the show. Regency hair was generally short or in a high bun, with tight side ringlets and curls. Hair was typically worn up and covered with a bonnet. Other more elaborate headgear included diamond headdresses, turbans, and silk, pearls, flowers, and beads as adornments. You can see the Regency influence in some of the hairstyles — but others, not so much. Daphne’s hair being down in public especially would have been quite scandalous. The stylish ‘dos on “Bridgerton” are more of a creative spin on the era, along with other influences — including Audrey Hepburn and Beyoncé.

In the Regency Era, the ideal look was more natural. Younger women shied away from too-heavy white foundation, preferring to use combinations like lighter powders and aromatic water. They also wore mascara and eyeliner, as well as blush that could be made of things like carmine and rose pink safflower. There are some natural-enough looks in “Bridgerton,” but by the third season, the bold ones began to dominate. Penelope’s standout rouge and smoky eyes stand out as especially not faithful to the time period. Let’s not touch on the glitter, either — for our sanity.

It’s true that Regency London had its share of gossip sheets that insinuated the romantic, personal, and social scandals of the London “ton.” But where “Bridgerton” veers into inaccuracy is depicting Lady Whistledown actually publishing the full names of the scandalous subjects. Normally, just an initial with a dash sufficed. This was done to skirt England’s historically strict libel laws. The publisher could face legal consequences for publishing scandals, particularly if it was about a peer of the realm. Lady Whistledown’s bold use of these nobles’ full names probably would have been even riskier in real life. But it’s no wonder there was such ire against Penelope.

Women’s roles during the Regency Era were very circumscribed. There were very few professions open to women. Working women were typically in service roles such as teachers, maids, and yes, dressmakers. There were also female writers, several of whom became quite famous, including Jane Austen and Mary Shelley. However, it would likely be very rare for a woman to run her own business. Madame Delacroix could have been a seamstress. However, her perceived independence in the show — making her own money and managing her affairs — would likely have been frowned upon at the time.

Corsets have basically become an onscreen shortcut for communicating the struggles and standards of womanhood. In reality, there are a variety of kinds of corsets, and few are as restrictive and uncomfortable as popular culture has painted them. Only a minority in the later Victorian era chose severe tight lacing, contrary to Bridgerton’s misrepresentation. Regency Era women were more likely to opt for a similar, less cartoonishly restrictive garment. Known as “stays,” these undergarments were more similar to bras than torture devices. Stays resembled more of a waistcoat and shaped the bust more, but were less restrictive than even regular corsets. They were easily worn with the popular high empire waistline and flowing skirts.

Much ink has been spilled regarding the historical accuracy — or lack thereof — of the “Bridgerton” costumes. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick purposefully played with elements of Regency fashion, embellishing some with modern adornments and ignoring others. The general silhouette of high empire waistlines is accurate, especially with Daphne’s costumes in the first season. The contemporary glitter, however, is a different story. Even some of the colors of clothing are shades that would not have been used in the period. The menswear is more faithful to the Regency silhouette, and appropriately luxurious.

King George and Queen Charlotte were real-life monarchs, that much is true. However, the nature of King George’s illness and the Queen’s reign were different in real life. Nowadays, scholars believe George III may have suffered from bipolar disorder or porphyria, a type of rare blood disease. When his illness intensified in the early 1800s, his son George IV became regent. Queen Charlotte was not the reigning monarch. Fun fact: That’s why the period is called the Regency Era. One thing that “Bridgerton” did get right, though, was the couple being reportedly happy together, before his decline in health.

Marina’s secret pregnancy would have been indeed scandalous during this era. For the most part, this season one storyline is treated with the gravitas it would have had. It even shows Marina’s period-appropriate attempts to end her pregnancy with a tea. However, it was probably more likely that Marina would have carried the baby to term, given birth in the countryside, and given the baby to a family or a charity orphanage. Perhaps Marina’s love for her beau prevented her from this course, but without a marriage to shield her, there was little else she could have done otherwise. “Bridgerton” just had to make it dramatic with her relationship with Colin.

What was the most important duty of a nobleman? The answer would have been clear to the Georgians: Pass on your wealth and title to your heir. Simon’s determination not to continue his lineage to spite his cruel father would have made more sense as a young, brash teen. But as an adult, Simon would likely have realized that if the line stopped with him, his wealth and assets would be passed down to the nearest relative — perhaps even on his cruel father’s side. Not to mention, it would have been regarded as foolish for a duke not to have his child inherit the land. Either way, it’s a bit too much of a stretch for the sake of a plot twist.


Are there historical inaccuracies in “Bridgerton” you can’t look past? Let us know in the comments down below!