Modern Lifestyles

1. 3 Responses to “How was the lifestyle in the victorian era?”

2. By revolvur2000 on Jan 22, 2012 | Reply

   Jason

   Life was actually pretty dull back then. Even though the phonograph came along in those times, as well as the telegraph and telephone, most folks didn’t have much to do. In the country people spent from sunup to sundown working in the fields and caring for their livestock which didn’t leave much time for anything else. Church on Sunday, school for the kids in the winter, and the occasional newspaper was about it. Perhaps going into town for supplies once in a while. In the cities it wasn’t much different except for the theater once in a while. Social gatherings were the norm for both but really, life was pretty dull. Unless of course you happened to be rich. Then there was a lot of travel and entertaining guests. People were more involved with religion and politics back then, perhaps out of boredom than anything else.

3. By christine lrice cake queen on Jan 25, 2012 | Reply

   Neil

   See if you can get hold of the BBC1 series ‘Victorians’ written and presented by Jeremy Paxman that’s been on TV very recently- it’s fascinating, and offers a deep insight into many aspects of life in that period, using the paintings of the time; didn’t anyone tell you about it?

4. By noplate on Jan 26, 2012 | Reply

   Laura

   The Victorian Era spanned several decades, so lifestyle changed a bit over that time. There was no electricity, so homes were lit by lantern and later by gas. Homes had gas piping installed in the walls and gas lanterns were installed against the walls, where they could be lit at night.

   Cooking was done on wood-burning stoves and heat came from either stoves or fireplaces.

   The family depended on itself for entertainment. There were no movies, radio, television… Families would gather in the parlor after dinner and tell stories, converse or play games. Music was popular and girls were expected to play an instrument. When company was over there would usually be an impromptu music session with each of the women playing whichever instrument was theirs.

   The man of the house was undeniably in charge and usually provided the only household income. The wife/mother would work full time just to keep the household running. Laundry, for instance might take three days a week to complete. It might take 90 minutes just to get water boiling for tea. Household help in the way of a maid or governess were common even for middle class families.

   Before the late 19th century indoor toilets were rare. There would be an outhouse out back. During the night you would relieve yourself in a chamber pot, then empty it in the morning (okay, let’s all say it together, “Ewwwww”!). There would be a jug of water and a procelain basin in the bedroom for washing. Baths were rare. Hot water would be heated on the stove and was generally used for cooking, not washing.

   In a way it was a simpler time. It was certainly a slower time. That said, it was a demanding lifestyle where even the simplest chores could take an extraordinary amount of time.

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