In the Victorian period work inside and outside the home took so much more time than it does today and working people had far less leisure time. There was little money to spare and no radio, television, cinemas and sports centres. People found all sorts of ways of enjoying what free time they had.
Whilst the Victorians dreamt of improvement and progress through work, the years between 1837-1901 saw the greatest development in leisure pursuit ever witnessed.The period gave a more structured approach to leisure, with the creation of parks, libraries, art galleries and museums. In most large towns there were theatres and music halls that were popular and cheap. Men played or went to watch rugby, football and cricket.
Technology changed as well, allowing the production of cheap books, newspapers and musical instruments. 'The National Trust' came into being, which helped conserve the countryside and improved transport, which made days out more accessible to everyone. Victorian class differences also existed in leisure activities. Although the lower classes attended the same events as the upper class, they had their own entrances and locations within music halls, restaurants etc.
Victorian Schools
Early in the Victorian era, wealthy families would have a nanny to care for the children. Oftentimes, she would teach them the basic skills of reading and writing. For girls, the mother might teach them to sew, to sing, or play a musical instrument. Fathers often taught their sons Latin.
During the same time period, poor children rarely learned to read or write. From a young age sometimes 5 years old, they were expected to work and help provide for the family. Some communities attempted to educate their poor children and established Ragged schools Supporters of the school would provide a teacher or teach the children themselves.
Education changed for children with passage of the 1870 Education Act that made school mandatory for everyone between the ages of 5 and 13. Girls and boys attended community schools to learn the three R's, Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.
