Village Life in Mid-Victorian Times

Although much of Great Britain's population did leave the countryside to reap the benefits of industrialization, village life did not come to an end. Farming was still very much a part of life in Victorian Britain. With the advent of steam-power, farm machinery was easier to use and made for a faster work day. Small gardens would supplement the family's food supply.

Some villages would specialize in an industry. Lace-making was popular. Craftsman (blacksmiths, tanners, carpenters) could always be found in a rural setting.

To maintain the huge country estates of the wealthy, local villagers would provide the servant power during the season. Some rural folk would live on the estate throughout the year, often in conditions which were cramped. 

In their own homes, rural life in Victorian England was concerned with the basics - cooking meals, mending clothes, and seeing that children received the education which was mandatory by 1880.

Wotton-under-Edge Civic Centre

Friday 29th November 2013 at 7.30pm

Visitors welcome-Entrance £5 on the door for non-members