The fabrics and materials used were different before the Victorian era. If you were poor you would wear linen or wool, spun and woven by yourself, or your family. The rich enjoyed silks and velvets, often brought from abroad at great expense. What did a poor Victorian child wear? Poorer children often wore patched and […]
Category: Victoria
How Would You Describe Victorian Architecture?
Generally, most Victorian architecture can be described as dollhouse-like, with curlicue trims, bright colors, and asymmetrical designs. Most Victorian buildings were brick with large interior staircases and windows, balconies, fireplaces in every room, and porches. What defines Victorian architecture? This style was characterized by symmetry, Renaissance revival style interiors, many small windows, and limited ornamentation. […]
What Is Meant By Victorian Morality?
Victorian morality is associated with family values, charity, and thriftiness along with sexual repression. These values conflict with the social tendencies of the time including rampant prostitution, child labor, and the exploitation of the lower classes. Where did Victorian morality come from? Along with these technological and social advancements came a repressive set of moral […]
What Are Victorian Style Windows Called?
Bay Box Sash Windows are one of the most prominent and recognisable features of a Victorian home. Offering improved ventilation and natural light, the benefits of sash windows combined with cheaper glass production made them the default choice for Victorian buildings. What is the Victorian style called? But the term “Victorian architecture” actually refers to […]
What Was The Victorian Attitude Towards The Poor?
Victorian attitudes towards the poor were rather muddled. Some believed that the poor were facing their situations because they deserved it, either because of laziness or because they were simply not worthy of fortune. However, some believed it was up to personal circumstances. How did the Victorians treat the poor? The new Poor Law ensured […]
What Was Considered Taboo In The Victorian Era?
The Victorian Era (Queen Victoria’s Reign 1839-1901) is still synonymous with social “restraint”, or, in more Freudian, “repression” . This is the era during which “cursing” or using swear words and any references to sexuality or, really, anything “distasteful”, became taboo in “nice” society. What things did Victorian era people fear? The anxieties of the […]
What Was The Most Common Punishment In Victorian Times?
Hard labour was a common punishment. Many Victorians believed that having to work very hard would prevent criminals committing crime in the future. The crank and the treadmill: Prisons often made prisoners do pointless tasks such as turn a crank up to 10,000 times a day. Or walk for hours on giant circular tread mills. […]
What Did Rich Victorians Kids Wear?
Children tended to wear miniature versions of adult clothes. Boys wore dresses until they were about five years old. Once of school age they wore suits or short trousers and jackets with a cap. Sailor suits were also fashionable. What did rich children wear in the Victorian times? A soaker was the Victorian forerunner to […]
Was Divorce Allowed In The Victorian Era?
Victorian Marriage Laws If one wanted a divorce, their case would be handled by either ecclesiastical courts or a parliamentary court, based on two kinds of divorce: Mensa et thoro: “Divorce from bed and board,” given in cases of adultery, extreme cruelty, or desertion. Neither partner could remarry. How was divorce viewed by Victorian society? […]
Why Did Victorians Keep Locks Of Hair?
In Victorian times, it was common for bereaved family members to keep locks of hair from deceased children or family members. These locks of hair were seen as mementos and served to comfort the surviving loved ones. Why did Victorians keep hair? Hair was a very tangible reminder, memento, souvenir, and keepsake of a life, […]