Imperial Residence hot water system improved
Work on the hot water system in the Imperial Residence has been ongoing over the past week. The taps in the Imperial Residence stopped producing hot water last Saturday. Initially a broken valve was suspected, but further investigation revealed that the boiler was broken. The old boiler in the Imperial Kitchen has been removed and a new one installed in the loft of the house. Several central heating and hot water pipes have also been replaced or repaired, with wall panelling having been taken down around the building to gain access to them. With the boiler now in the loft, a new chimney has been installed in the roof of the Imperial Residence to provide a flue for the new boiler. The upgraded central heating and hot water systems of the Imperial Residence are now both far more efficient in terms of expense and far quicker in heating. The Treasury contributed to the cost of the repairs.
Codex Jonathanus enters into force
What has been described as “one of the most extensive pieces of legislation” in the history of small nations was adopted today as the long awaited Austenasian civil code came into force. Known as the Codex Jonathanus, the civil code is an amended version of the Codex Justinianus, an extremely influential codification of Roman law ordered by Emperor Justinian I in the early 6th century. Laws related to archaic issues such as slavery have been removed, and some dealing with local matters amended to refer to Representatives, Town Councils and the like, but for the most part this civil code consists of genuine Roman laws passed between 146 and 532 AD. The code, which is comprised of over five hundred laws, covers matters including contract and family law, debts, marriage, property, and the justice system. It will be used mostly by magistrates when deciding on how to settle disputes. The Codex Jonathanus – meaning Code of Jonathan – was compiled by the Emperor, who started work on the massive project at the start of May last year, making use of an English translation of the Codex Justinianus. The adoption of the code was authorised by Parliament last week. The Codex Justinianus, of which this code is effectively an abridged version, served as the civil code of the Roman Empire from 534 until 892, and has been described as one of the foundations of the western legal tradition. The adoption of the Codex Jonathanus, as well as having great practical benefits, has also strengthened the Roman inheritance of Austenasia. A printed copy of the Codex has been stored in the Imperial Residence, and copies will be available upon request to be sent to any Representatives, judges, or magistrates. The Codex Jonathanus can be read online here.
Dyed fabric arrives from Oregonia
The first item to be sent on an Oregonia-Wrythe trade route arrived at its destination this morning. The item was a rectangular piece of cotton fabric, coloured with dyes produced by the Überstadti company Apotheker from blood-berry bushes (Oregon grape) growing in the Austenasian crown dependency of Oregonia. The berries of the plant produced a red dye, whereas the bark produced a very light yellow dye. The fabric has been dyed in the design of the Austenasian Star, national flag of the Empire. Although future products shipped to Wrythe will be offered for sale amongst the Saint Josephsburg Economic Pact, this first item is being kept for posterity, having been placed in the Imperial Residence to replace a poster put up for the Empire’s fifth anniversary. The shipment of this product, which was paid for via PayPal, sees the beginning of an economic relationship between Überstadt and Austenasia via Oregonia which is hoped to prove prosperous for all involved.
Christmas celebrated by Imperial Family
The extended Austenasian Imperial Family has had two days of Christmas celebrations. Christmas Day (Wednesday 25th) begun with the immediate Imperial Family opening presents in Parliament Hall before meeting Emperor Grandmother Joyce and attending the Christmas morning service at Carshalton Methodist Church, also attended by Lord Marshal William and (the former Prince of Copan) Sir Joseph. The Imperial Family then went to the house of the Boxall family (the relatives of Emperor Mother Margaret) for Christmas lunch and more presents. On Boxing Day (Thursday 26th) the situation was reserved, with the Emperor Grandmother and the Boxalls being hosted in the Imperial Residence with a buffet lunch and tea, playing board games and receiving some more gifts. For the first time, the Emperor has published a Christmas broadcast. In his speech (which was uploaded to YouTube), Emperor Jonathan I reflects upon the past year of growth in both land and population for Austenasia, and expresses his wishes that next year will be just as good for the Empire.
Imperial Family celebrates confirmation and birthday
Not only did the Imperial Family today celebrate the 58th birthday of Emperor Mother Margaret, but also the confirmation of Crown Princess Caroline into the Methodist Church of Great Britain. The day started with both individuals opening some presents in the Imperial Residence. The Imperial Family then attended the confirmation service at Carshalton Methodist Church, joined by the Boxalls (the family of the Emperor Mother). Emperor Jonathan I – who finishes his first term at university at the end of the week – also attended, having come home for the weekend. During the service, Crown Princess Caroline and several other younger people (including Sir Joseph, former Prince of Copan) were confirmed into membership of the Methodist Church of Great Britain. The Imperial Family and Boxalls then had lunch at a nearby gastropub, before the group travelled to the Imperial Residence. At the Imperial Residence, more presents were opened and cake and coffee were served. A list of those present at the celebration in the Imperial Residence is as follows: Emperor Jonathan I, Crown Princess Caroline, Emperor Mother Margaret, Emperor Father Terry, Emperor Grandmother Joyce, Lord Michael (brother of the Emperor Mother), Dame Rosalind (wife of Lord Michael), and their children Lord Timothy and Ladies Catherine and Jennifer.
Imperial Family celebrates Christmas
The Christmas season has been celebrated by the Austenasian Imperial Family over the past few days. On Christmas Eve (Monday 24th), the immediate Imperial Family – consisting of Sir Terry the former Emperor, his wife Lady Margaret, and their children Crown Prince Jonathan and Princess Caroline – went out for a meal at local Carshalton pub The Racehorse to start the Christmas season, traditionally celebrated in Austenasia over the days of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Christmas Day (Tuesday 25th) commenced with the opening of presents in Parliament Hall, followed by the Imperial Family joining the population of Zephyria at the Christmas morning service at Carshalton Methodist Church. Crown Prince Jonathan accompanied the Imperial Family despite having converted to Orthodox Christianity in early 2011. Princess Caroline sung an up-beat version of Silent Night as part of the Christmas service, accompanied by two friends and with Sir Joseph the former Prince of Copan on the ukulele. The Imperial Family returned home to have a traditional Christmas dinner of roast turkey, joined for the afternoon by Dame Joyce Boxall, mother of Lady Margaret. The Imperial Residence then played host in the evening to the Allens, family friends of the Imperial Family who visited for drinks and a game of charades. Boxing Day (Wednesday 26th) saw the Boxall family (Lord Michael, brother of Lady Margaret, and his wife and children) visit the Imperial Residence for a roast dinner and a buffet supper, joined again by Dame Joyce. The popular board game Articulate was played and small presents were handed out to the guests. The Austenasian Times hopes all its readers have had a Merry Christmas, and wishes you all a happy 2013.