A plenitude of references to the institutions and conventions of contemporary social life and material culture presents challenges to all translators of Austen. For this reason, the translation process needs to be based on a mastery of information about Regency England. The study of Spanish-language translations of Austen's Sanditon suggests they are not so based, because the translators frequently overlook the relevance of these references. References to the gentry class, to medical professionals, and to contemporary forms of transport, among other things, are examined in five translations from three different countries (Spain, Argentina, and Mexico). The translation choices made often obscure the implications which historico-cultural references bring to Austen's writings.