Children in Victorian Britain
In Victorian times, all children, regardless of status, were expected to be well behaved, modest and quiet, especially when in the presence of adults. Sparing the rod was not part of the culture during Victorian times. However, lifestyle in Victorian Britain varied dramatically according to status. Whilst the poorer families were struggling to educate their children, often sending them out to work in factories, the children of the upper classes were treated as royalty. They were pampered and lavished with toys and gifts and dressed in fine clothing.
Tea parties
Little girls from the wealthier families would have tea parties for 4 dozen guests, and more. They would rarely have to settle for pouring tea for just Dolly or Teddy. The tea sets were made of the best china and would come in complete sets just like those for the adults. Tables were set for these childhood tea parties using fine white linens and sterling silver place settings. It was not at all uncommon to see miniature silver tea sets as well as those made from china or porcelain. Nothing was wanting at these children’s parties. The child hostess and her assorted guests would enjoy a splendid feast that might include special teas, pastries and fruits. Toys were beautifully made and china dolls and stuffed animals were among the favorites of children in Victorian Britain.
Schooling
The education of Victorian children took place at both school and at home. The wealthy families would have nannies and teachers who lived with them and cared for the children. Many of the teachers were very strict disciplinarians. The boys were able to explore many interests but the girls had far less opportunities to enjoy higher education. Being sent away to school was an option. Girls received training that dealt with "proper" manners, running a household and dancing. Boys could attend universities, become apprentices or even embark on seafaring adventures. Girls were expected to be hostesses, handle parties and guests, and make sure that their household help attended to the actual work.
Children's clothing
Children’s Victoran clothes during this time could also be elaborate. Little boys of the Victorian era were dressed in the typical style of Little Lord Fauntleroy. They would have white linen shirts with huge bows about the necks and velvet or velveteen breeches that fitted at the knees. The huge sailor collars were coming into fashion during the Victorian period and were found decorating both girls’ and boys’ clothing. Cotton or silk stockings would cover the lower legs. Often the children’s shoes would be made of fine leathers with ornate buckles. The well dressed Victorian boys would also have broad brimmed straw hats with decorations of ribbons. Long curls were quite popular for the boys during the Victorian times and pageboy cuts just above the shoulder were common.
Little girls who lived during the Victorian times would often have starched and pressed pinafores and their hair would be curled and styled to perfection. They would have cotton or silk stockings to cover their legs and their shoes would be made of soft leathers or beautiful fabrics that matched their dresses. Dresses would often have dropped waists and huge bows that tied in the back. These were commonly made with huge sailor style collars with bows at the center. For some of the more formal dresses miniature bustles were made in similar style to the women’s fashion of the day.
This is an original news article © The Kids Window
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