The Victorian World: Life, death, work and leisure in nineteenth century England

The Victorian World: Life, death, work and leisure in nineteenth century England

We study the worlds of the wealthy, middle, and working classes - from large country estates and townhouses to humble cottages and London rookeries of the residuum; their social and cultural life, living, and working conditions. We see the strict hierarchy which existed “below stairs” and the domestic life of servants and their duties in large houses. Course themes include the poor and their lack of amenities, deficient nutrition and medical attention, and the effects of this on their appalling lives. One session will be on the fascinating rituals of death and mourning (not morbid).