How true is the ton?
Throughout British history, there have been many famous eras for literature, architecture, art and more that are still studied and celebrated today. Boasting so many historic buildings and heritage sites, locations across the country often double as settings for these historic periods in popular dramas in the world of film and television.
But how true are they to the reality of the times they are set in? As the latest series of Bridgerton starts streaming on Netflix, BBC Bitesize takes a closer look at what life was really like during the Regency period, from fashion to famous figures and more.
Giving a nod to British history, Bridgerton offers a modern twist on our past. But be warned, the show is not suitable for all ages!
What is Bridgerton and when is it set?
Bridgerton is a popular modern period drama streaming on Netflix, which transports viewers to an alternative and diverse London society living in the 1810s. Produced by Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland, the show is based on author Julia Quinn's romance novels which follow the love lives of the eight siblings of the Bridgerton family.
Full of drama, scandal and fashion, each series we see the family and other members of the ton - the who’s who of British high society – navigate the marriage market, known as the social season.
But at the heart of the show is also anonymous gossip writer Lady Whistledown, voiced by Julie Andrews, who exposes what goes on behind the scenes in the lives of the upper-class.
In the Bridgerton family, we meet Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), Benedict (Luke Thompson), Colin (Luke Newton), Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), Eloise (Claudia Jessie), Francesca (Hannah Dodd), Gregory (Will Tilston), Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) and their mother Violet (Ruth Gemmell). Other stars of the cast include Nicola Coughlan, Simon Basset, Simone Ashley, Adjoa Andoh, Golda Rosheuvel and Polly Walker.
What is the Regency period?
Bridgerton is set in England in the early 1800s within two well-known eras in British history. One of these periods is the Georgian era, between 1714 and 1837, during the reign of the first four British monarchs named George.
But within this specific period is also the Regency era, between 1811 and 1820, when George IV served as Prince Regent for his father King George III, due to his incapacity. The first series of Bridgerton is set in 1813 and the following seasons follow the chronological years and the “social seasons” of the ton.
The term Regency usually relates to British fashion, culture and architecture of the Regency period. The era was famous for its social extravagance, the Napoleonic wars and several key figures still known, celebrated and studied today.
Is Bridgerton accurate?
Set during the Regency era, Bridgerton is not historically accurate and instead offers a fictional, reimagined portrayal of the period. But throughout, it does depict what parts of society were like at that time, from fashion to social etiquette, class systems, the competitive marriage market and more.
In the scandal-prone ton, we are also introduced to a few characters based on real, royal figures. On the show, we are introduced to King George III and Queen Charlotte and in 2023, the couple also got their own spin-off, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
In real life, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz spent 57 years on the throne after marrying King George III, often referred to as “Mad King George” for his long illness. The spin-off series is loosely based on the life of the royals but focuses on Queen Charlotte’s rise to power.
But Bridgerton also blends the past with fantasy and romantic storylines. The show celebrates diversity, with a racially integrated society that did not exist during the historic period.
Considered a modern period drama, the show also merges the present with the past. For example, while the soundtrack is orchestral, if you listen closely enough, you will hear versions of songs from popular artists like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande.
Which famous faces are from the Regency era?
There are many notable names from the Regency era that you have likely heard of. When it comes to royalty, we have already mentioned King George III and Queen Charlotte – who also appear as characters in Bridgerton – and we can’t forget Prince Regent, George IV, whose extravagant tastes helped shape the era when it comes to fashion and culture.
But who are the other famous faces from this time? Well one name we can’t forget is author Jane Austen, renowned for books such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion and Emma – which have continued to be adapted in modern film and television.
Staying in the world of literature, other prominent figures include Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein and Sir Walter Scott, who famously wrote Ivanhoe. When it comes to poetry, Romantic poets Lord Byron and John Keats are also of that famous era.
Other notable names from that period include Beau Brummell, a fashion icon of the time, The Duke of Wellington – a leading political and military figure who defeated Napoleon and Edward Jenner, who pioneered the smallpox vaccine.
Where is Bridgerton filmed?
Set in Mayfair, London, over two centuries ago – it's fair to say the capital has not stood frozen in time. But thanks to various stately homes, National Trust sites, heritage buildings and more incredible filming locations, Bridgerton fans have been able to be transported back to the Regency era.
Throughout all its seasons, Bridgerton has filmed all over England. There are so many places we could mention – but we’ve picked out just a few that regularly appear in the hit Netflix show that you may recognise.
If you’ve ever wondered if the Bridgerton household really exists, you’ll be happy to know it is a real-life building. Located in Greenwich, Ranger’s House is an art gallery.
As for the Featherington’s house, look no further than the famous Royal Crescent in Bath. Attracting thousands of tourists every year, it makes the perfect exterior shot for the well-known family of the ton.
Elsewhere in Bath, you can also visit Lady Danbury’s home. Bath’s Holburne Museum of Art doubles as her extravagant mansion.
When is Netflix's Bridgerton season 4 released?
It was back in 2020 that we were first introduced to the Bridgerton family - and now season four has come to Netflix. Following the love story of the second-oldest sibling Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, part one – the first four episodes – are available on Netflix from 29 January 2026.
Part two, the remaining four episodes of the series, will stream on 26 February 2026. Season four is inspired by the third book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, called An Offer from a Gentleman.
Many of the cast are returning for the latest series – as well as new members of the ton. However, although Bridgerton has ties to history, it is not suitable for all ages.
As set by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), it is set at a 15-age rating for all seasons, meaning those watching the show should be 15 years or older. According to Netflix, this certificate was given due to the depiction of "sex, sexual threat, sex references, sexual images, sexual violence references, violence and drug misuse.”
This article was written in January 2026
