Life In The 1800s

Life in England in the 1800s was very different from the way we live now. Here are some interesting facts:

• In the late 1800s nearly a quarter of all boys and girls aged from ten to fourteen were already working rather than attending school. Some of their jobs included selling flowers in the street, sweeping chimneys and many were street beggars.
• Young children didn’t have many toys, so often created their own outdoor games. ‘Hopscotch’ and ‘British Bulldog’ were particularly popular, and still are today!
• Before 1918 boys often wore dresses until they were eight years old! After reaching this age an occasion known as ‘breeching’ would take place and they then wore trousers.
• Doctors still had very little knowledge compared to all that we know today. Many diseases that do not trouble us now would be a very serious threat, and would sometimes kill many people. Doctors would treat patients in the best way they knew how, but would often not give the correct treatment.
• Many local villagers would take on the role of servants, working for the wealthy in their large country estates. Some of these servants would live on the estate throughout the yearm often in very cramped conditions.
• Bread, cheese, porridge and potatoes were the main foods for the poorer working class. If there was enough money, families may have enjoyed a piece of bacon two or three times a week to eat with these other foods.
• An orange would often be the only gift that many children would receive at Christmas.