Behind Closed Doors at Home in Georgian England

The Georgian era in England (1714-1830) was a time of profound social and economic change. It was during this period that the country's middle class expanded, new industries emerged, and cities grew rapidly. These changes had a significant impact on home life, as people's daily routines, social customs, and living spaces evolved to reflect the shifting social landscape.

Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England

by Amanda Vickery

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1285 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	361 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Georgian Home

Georgian homes were designed to reflect the social status and wealth of their owners. Large, stately mansions were the domain of the aristocracy and wealthy landowners, while merchants and professionals lived in more modest townhouses. The average working-class family lived in small cottages or tenements, often with multiple families sharing the same space.

The most striking feature of Georgian homes was their symmetry and proportion. The facade of a typical Georgian house was typically divided into three sections: a central block flanked by two projecting wings. The front door was located in the center of the house, and windows were arranged in a regular pattern on either side. This symmetrical design gave Georgian homes a sense of order and balance.

The interior of a Georgian home was equally well-ordered. The ground floor typically consisted of a large entrance hall, a dining room, a library or study, and a drawing room. The upper floors were reserved for bedrooms and nurseries. The kitchen was usually located in the basement or on the back of the house, away from the main living areas.

Daily Routines

The daily routines of Georgians varied depending on their social class. The wealthy elite enjoyed a life of leisure, while the working class had to work long hours to make ends meet. However, there were some general patterns that applied to all Georgians.

Most Georgians started their day with a light breakfast of bread, butter, and tea. The main meal of the day was dinner, which was typically served around noon. Dinner consisted of a variety of dishes, including meat, fish, vegetables, and desserts. After dinner, Georgians would often socialize with friends and family, or engage in leisure activities such as reading, writing, or playing music.

The working class had a much more regimented daily routine. They typically rose early, before dawn, to go to work. They worked long hours, often in factories or workshops. After work, they would return home to their families, where they would eat a simple meal and then go to bed early.

Social Customs

Georgian society was highly stratified, and social customs varied depending on one's position in the social hierarchy. The upper classes adhered to a strict code of etiquette and propriety, while the lower classes were more informal in their social interactions.

One of the most important social customs of the Georgian era was the tea party. Tea drinking was a popular pastime for all classes of society, and it was often used as an opportunity for socializing and gossip.

Another important social custom was the dinner party. Dinner parties were a formal affair, and guests were expected to dress in their finest clothes. The dinner table was set with a variety of dishes, and guests were expected to eat and drink in moderation.

Architecture and Interior Design

The architecture and interior design of Georgian homes reflected the social values and aspirations of the era. Georgian architecture was characterized by its symmetry, order, and proportion. The interiors of Georgian homes were typically decorated in a style that was both elegant and comfortable.

Georgian furniture was typically made of mahogany or walnut, and it was often carved with intricate designs. The furniture was designed to be both functional and stylish, and it reflected the wealth and status of its owners.

Servants

Servants played an important role in Georgian society. The wealthy elite employed a large retinue of servants, who performed a variety of tasks, from cooking and cleaning to managing the household finances.

Servants were typically recruited from the lower classes, and they often lived in the homes of their employers. They worked long hours, and they were often treated poorly. However, some servants were able to rise to positions of power and influence within the household.

Entertainment and Leisure

Georgians enjoyed a variety of entertainment and leisure activities. The upper classes were particularly fond of attending the theater, the opera, and horse races. They also enjoyed gambling, hunting, and fishing.

The working classes had fewer opportunities for entertainment and leisure. They often spent their free time at local pubs or taverns, or they would participate in outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, and playing games.

Family Life

Family life was very important to Georgians. The nuclear family was the basic unit of society, and children were expected to respect and obey their parents. Fathers were the heads of the household, and they had the final say in all matters. Mothers were responsible for raising the children and managing the household.

Georgian children were typically sent to boarding school at a young age. Boarding schools were often harsh environments, and children were often subjected to physical and emotional abuse. However, some children were able to receive a good education at boarding school, and they went on to have successful careers.

Gender Roles

Gender roles were strictly defined in Georgian society. Men were expected to be strong, rational, and independent. Women were expected to be submissive, domestic, and virtuous.

Men were typically responsible for earning the family income, while women were responsible for managing the household and raising the children. Women were also expected to be chaste and faithful to their husbands.

Social Hierarchy

Georgian society was highly stratified, and there were clear divisions between the different classes. The aristocracy and wealthy landowners were at the top of the social hierarchy, followed by the middle class, the working class, and the poor.

Social mobility was limited in Georgian society, and people were expected to stay in their place. However, some people were able to rise to higher social classes through marriage, education, or hard work.

Behind closed doors, Georgian England was a realm of private lives and hidden histories. The homes, daily routines, social customs, and traditions of Georgians provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited this fascinating era.

Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England

by Amanda Vickery

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1285 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	361 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE