Men and Woman in Victorian England

1. Men and Woman in Victorian England By Rachel Gray

2. 4 Stations of Men and Woman In Victorian England times could be very rough for the different stations of people. There was a distinct upper, middle, working, and lower class and each of these classes could be recognized by their styles in fashion, schooling, and jobs.

3. The Victorian England Lower Class~ Children Being a child born into the lower class in the 1800’s would have been a nightmare. Their families were quite often unable to educate them and send them away to school, because of the cost, so these children were expected to work and help provide for their families. The only education they could possibly receive would be through a charity school, or a “dame” school run by women. On Sundays, if they were able, children would attend church in the morning and learn of the different bible stories, but this was the extent of schooling children of the lower class would receive. Both boys and girls generally worked in textile mills and factories, which could often be very dangerous because of the large machinery. Occasionally they would have to crawl underneath these machines to fetch ‘cotton bobbins’ that had fallen below. Young agile boys were often employed to sweep chimneys , as well as to work in coal mines because they were able to crawl through tight spaces which adults could not fit through. Some children, if lucky enough ,were given the opportunity to apprentice in a respectable trade, generally run by the middle class, such as building or becoming a servant. But for those females who were not so lucky as to end up with a constant job, were forced into prostitution. Many young girls between the ages of 15 to 22 became prostitutes.

4. The Victorian England lower class- Men Men of the lower classes' lives were very hard. They had to provide for their family as best as they could with whatever jobs they could find and maintain, which were generally of physical labour and for the unskilled. They expected their wives and children to keep jobs as well to help with the family. This status of men was very unrespectable. Quite often they were thieves, pimps, and beggars unless they were employed in a factory or workhouse. A portion of the lower class men would sometimes become involved with the selling of illegal drugs such as “blue ruin”. Other employments were , -costermongers -railway porters -Victorian navy

5. The Victorian England lower class- Woman The lives' of the lower class women in Victorian England were very unfortunate. If they had a family, their husband expected them to work, so that they could help support the family. They could never participate in any social entertainment, they often lived in very poor, dirty homes and were usually very sick because of their living conditions. Many of these women became prostitutes between the ages of 15 to 22, to make whatever money they could. These women’s “customers” were usually from the army because the men were not allowed to marry. Quite often they became pregnant and had to find a way to provide for themselves as well as their babies. If lucky enough , they would find a job in a work house where they would be provided with a job, food and shelter. Other employments were, -seamstresses -washerwoman -factory workers.

6. Victorian England~ Working Class Men Woman Viewed more respectably than the lower class. Employments were, -blacksmith -carpenter -shop worker -factory worker -farm worker They could also become a servant in an upper class house. They would be doing jobs such coachmen, footmen, valets, groom, butler, chef, house steward, gardener, and gamekeepers. Viewed more respectably than the lower class. Employments were, These women would strive to become employed in an upper class house. If permitted they would be given jobs such as, -a house maid -nursemaid -cook -kitchen maid to assist the cook -parlour maid -lady’s maid, -house keeper -governess -laundry maid and the list goes on!

7. The Victorian England middle class~ Children Children of the middle class in Victorian England lives were much different than those of the lower class and yet much different from the lives of the upper class. These children were not poor and not spoiled rich, which is why they are of the “middle class”. Their families did not need them to work so if permitted they were sometimes able to attend school. Girls would generally learn the trade which their mother was in or be homeschooled, and the boys would either learn their father’s trade or attend a boys school.

8. The Victorian England middle class~ Men Quite often in Victorian England, the men who were of the middle class were men who had not been born into a title or royalty. They were still respectable and kept a job and provided for their families on their own without the help of their children or wives. They often owned businesses of their own or worked in respectable environments such as, -bankers -shopkeepers -engineers -teachers -doctors/ physicians -attorneys -clergies -journalists, etc! Middle class man's fashion was quite similar to the fashions of the upper class, just less fancier. Refer to upper class man’s fashion slide to learn more of this, found in the following few slides.

9. The Victorian England middle class~ Women The lives of middle class women in Victorian England were not extremely difficult but they were also not luxurious. Their husbands provided the income for their home and family but some women still chose work in jobs such as, -a woman's writer -a tradeswoman -a lodging house keeper - a school mistress and so on! The middle class women’s fashion followed the same rules which the upper class women did, their outfits were usually just modified to make them a bit less expensive and rich. To learn more about this refer to the upper class women’s fashion slide, found in the following few slides.

10. The Victorian England Upper class~ Children Boys Girls Boys of the upper class had a wonderful, relaxed, easy life. Upper class boys were taught from home by a governess until they reached the age of 10. Once of age they would attend a public school such as Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Charterhouse, or Westminster. They learned how to read, write and proper dictation. They were also taught arithmetic and geography. From here they were sent on to Oxford or Cambridge where they learned mathematics, history, and law. Girls of the upper class had a wonderful, laid back, dream like life. Upper class girls were taught from their homes and not allowed to attend public school like the boys were. Occasionally a small number would be sent to a boarding school but this was not a usual occurrence. They learned how to speak perfect French, how to sing, dance, draw and use globes. They enjoyed learning any practical teachings such as sewing, and embroidery which they would do in their free time.

11. Victorian England Upper Class~Men’sFashions The Upper Class men’s stockingswere usually made of silk, unless of the middle class, then they would generally be made of wool. Theirtrousers were of a tight form fitting cloth up until the end of the century, when the daytime style became more casual and changed to straight slacks. They were usually checkered or plaid. Men’s coats were of different lengths through out the 18th century, but were usually cinched at the waist. At night their coats were usually longer and black. When on an outing where men would be swimming, they were required to wear a bathing costume. These covered the entire body in material. Men’s arms from the elbows down and shins could be bare but a bathing bonnet was expected to be worn.

12. Victorian England Upper Class~Women’s Fashions The upper class women’s outfit s started with silk stockings (wool if of a lesser status). Their legs were expected to always be covered, whether it was by a skirt or dress. At the beginning of the century skirts had been straight but then as time went on became more spread out with a large hoop underneath to create a “bell like” look. At the end of the century the style of skirts had gone back to being straight but this time with a bustle. Generally younger women wore corsets, to make their waists appear smaller and preferred the look of lighter materials for their outfits. Whereas the older generation preferred the heavier materials such as satins, silks, and heavy velvets. An outfit was never complete without a walking stick, lavishly decorated hat (flowers or feathers), and gloves. Middle class women generally added a bright scarf around their necks, a bonnet with many flowers, and shiny black boots to complete their attire. If swimming all women would be expected to wear a bathing costume that covered them from head to toe. Although women were allowed to show the skin from their elbows to their hands. Queen Victoria influenced many of the fashions worn by women.

13. The Victorian England Upper Class~ Men To be a man of the upper class in Victorian England you either needed to be of nobility or you needed to have a title. These men did not work , they ruled, and usually inherited all of their fortune and land. They were usually politicians, the owners of large companies, magistrates, and even priests. In their free time they enjoyed travelling on trains, learning about natural history, going to the circus with their families, hunting, bicycle riding, gambling, watching or participating in sporting events such as cricket, football , rugby, races, archery, or boxing matches. These men often owned very large homes and employed many servants. They lacked nothing and wanted little because they already owned and could afford everything they wished to have

14. The Victorian England Upper Class~ Woman The life of an upper class woman was very relaxed. When a woman came of age she was thrown a “coming out” ball. This would show all eligible men that she was ready for marriage. She was expected to follow all rules on appearance and social behaviour strictly, if she wanted to appear poised and desirable. Once she was able to attain a husband, she took on the name and social status of her husband. She would be expected to watch over the servants, see to the house and tasks to be done, as well as to entertain guests. She viewed her homes as “safe havens” away from the grubby world of factories During her free time she enjoyed arranging flowers around her household, painting, decorating cushions, attending social events (balls and parties) and hosting tea parties.