Key Take Aways:
1. The Victorian era was a time of great innovation and significant social change.
2. Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, making it the longest reign in British history.
3. Victorian society was known for its strict social conventions and etiquette.
Introduction:
Prepare to be amazed by these 20 fascinating facts about the Victorian era! From bizarre fashion trends to quirky inventions, this period in history is full of surprises.
1. Mourning attire:
Widows were expected to wear black for up to four years after their husband’s death. Talk about a fashion statement!
2. Indoor plumbing:
Contrary to popular belief, indoor toilets were not widely used in Victorian homes. Many people still relied on outhouses.
3. Electric belts:
Electricity was all the rage in the Victorian era. Some people even believed that electric belts could cure anything from back pain to impotence!
4. Photography:
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were big fans of photography. They even had a darkroom in Buckingham Palace!
5. Macabre jewelry:
Mourning jewelry made from human hair was a popular trend during this time. Talk about taking sentimental value to a whole new level!
6. Christmas traditions:
Many of the Christmas traditions we know today, such as caroling and sending Christmas cards, became popular during the Victorian era.
7. Seances:
Spiritualism was all the rage in Victorian society, with seances being a popular form of entertainment.
8. Use of smelling salts:
Victorian women often carried smelling salts with them to prevent fainting spells. Nothing like a good whiff of ammonia to wake you up!
9. The Great Exhibition:
The Crystal Palace, built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, was a marvel of Victorian engineering and design.
10. Penny dreadfuls:
Cheap, sensationalist novels known as penny dreadfuls were widely read during the Victorian era, much to the dismay of parents and teachers.
11. Bicycle mania:
The invention of the bicycle in the 19th century led to a craze known as bicycle face, a supposed medical condition caused by the strain of cycling.
12. The language of flowers:
Floriography, or the language of flowers, was popular in Victorian society as a way to convey secret messages through floral arrangements.
13. The Great Stink:
In 1858, London experienced a heatwave that intensified the smell of untreated sewage in the Thames River, leading to a public health crisis known as the Great Stink.
14. Queen Victoria’s pets:
Queen Victoria was a big animal lover and had a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, and even an African grey parrot.
15. Freak shows:
Freak shows featuring individuals with physical deformities were a popular form of entertainment during the Victorian era, much to our modern-day horror.
16. Anesthesia:
Anesthesia was used during surgery in the Victorian era, but its safety and effectiveness were often questionable. Yikes!
17. Memento mori:
Post-mortem photography, known as memento mori, was a common practice in the Victorian era as a way to remember deceased loved ones. Creepy or sentimental? You decide!
18. Penny-farthing bicycles:
The iconic penny-farthing bicycle, with its oversized front wheel, was a popular mode of transportation for daring Victorians.
19. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:
Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novella, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, was published during the Victorian era and explored themes of duality and morality.
20. The Industrial Revolution:
The Victorian era was marked by the Industrial Revolution, which brought about significant technological advancements but also harsh working conditions for many.
FAQs:
What defined the Victorian era?
The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria of England, was a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom.
How long did the Victorian era last?
The Victorian era lasted from 1837 to 1901, the year of Queen Victoria’s reign.
Why is the Victorian era so famous?
The Victorian era is famous for its strict social norms, technological advancements, and significant cultural changes that shaped modern society.
