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Oh, London is a famous town,
A very famous city,
Where all the streets are paved with gold,
And all the maidens pretty.
-- George Colman the younger 1797
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. Here we are introduced to the rules for card playing. Of course ladies never play for money and children should never play at all, even though Cribbage "is very useful in assisting the youthful memory to combine figures, and make rapid calculations." Our author give us some very rudimentary rules for the games of Whist, Ecarte, Cribbage and Piquet, the four most popular games at the time amongst the genteel classes.
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this set of instructions the question of personal hygiene is raised and useful tips for limiting halitosis or wind on the stomach are given us. WE then learn that over-exercising the brain is never good and can lead to insanity. Boasting is absurd and only a cowardly scoundrel will boast of his victories over women's weakness!
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this set of instructions we learn what to wear and how to behave at a ball. The Gentleman must not exhibit the steps and flings of a dancing Master! The Lady, on the other hand, although doing more dancing, should not be dragged through the figures! And never, never ask a lady to dance with you twice!
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this set of instructions we are told who should and should not make morning calls. Not only that, we are told just what we can and cannot say on such occasions. And did you know that a married couple should never call on a single gentleman?
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In 1862, Henry Mayhew published his analysis of the prostitution business in London. It formed a part of his magnificent survey: London Labour and the London Poor, extracts from which we continue to publish on this site. Here is part two of his extensive introduction to the study.
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In 1862, Henry Mayhew published his analysis of the prostitution business in London. It formed a part of his magnificent survey: London Labour and the London Poor, extracts from which we continue to publish on this site. Here is part one of his extensive introduction to the study.
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In 1862, Henry Mayhew published his analysis of the prostitution business in London. It formed a part of his magnificent survey: London Labour and the London Poor, extracts from which we continue to publish on this site. We begin the serialisation of his "Prostitution in London" with the index. This will be continuously updated as new sections are added, but in the meantime, it will provide a glimpse of the range of data in his report and the depth in which he studied his topic. The Introduction will be posted immediately.
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this set of instructions we are shown precisely the mode of address to be used in submitting a petition to the Queen, the Houses of Parliament or Government Departments. And of course, it matters greatly whether the petition comes from an Assembly or from an individual . . .
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this set of instructions we are introduced to the mysteries of the glove and warned against carrying "a huge stick, fit only to wrench off knockers or break policeman's heads." And ladies are required to sacrifice a new silk gown if caught in the rain. . .!
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. Having the rules of sobriety in the matter of male attire we are now instructed on the requisites for a well-dressed woman – and they is definitely NOT those of a lady of fashion. As for the "abomination" of tight lacing . . .!
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this lesson we are instructed on the rules which govern male attire. Ostentation is clearly out and sobriety certainly in!
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this lesson we are instructed on the rules which govern conversation in polite circles. Amongst other things we must never be ruffled by "ill breeding of a vulgarian, or the impertinence of the coxcomb."
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. Her we learn the conventions for letter-writing. The Penny Post had been introduced as recently as 1842, and many of the conventions for letter writing in the new circumstances were still being formulated when this article was written. There was, of course, a gret obsession with the proper modes of address to be used when writing to titled persons and those below them in the order of precedence!
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. The third article instructs us how we should behave when hosting a Dinner Party.
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. The second article instructs us as to what we must, and must not, do at the dinner-table.
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. The first article introduces the concept of etiquette, and immediately sets the "tone" for the series.
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In the second instalment of our glance at a Victorian Saturday night in the New-cut, John and Mary buy their Sunday dinner and a fine set of table and chairs - which somewhat mystify poor John.
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We have already recorded Henry Mayhew's description of the costermongers' Saturday night out buying their Sunday dinner in 1851. Now we present the first of a short series of articles on more or less the same subject from the reports in "The Leisure Hour - A Family Journal of Instruction and Recreation" which appeared in issue numbers 61 and 62 on February 24 and March 3 1853. This first part sets the scene and introduces us to John and Mary Jones. The remaining chapters will appear on Saturday evenings between now and Christmas. Not only do the articles provide a vivid picture of Saturday night in the New-cut, they also give a very particular insight into the daily lives of the Victorian poor.
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Remembered now as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle qualified in medicine at Edinburgh, served as ship's doctor on a Greenland Whaler and had an unsuccessful medical practice in Southsea. He turned to writing to fill the hours spent in the consulting rooms that were never visited by patients.
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Notes and anecdotes about the ladies of London who have not made it into the major history books.
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Notes and anecdotes about the gentlemen of London who have not made it into the major history books.
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This was a notorious case of physical abuse of servants which eventually led to murder and the scaffold at Tyburn. Parish councils and various charities were, in the eighteenth century, setting out on their crusades of good works. These largely focused on young girls who were either orphaned or otherwise indigent and who could hope for nothing better than a life on the streets. One of the favoured ways of setting these girls up was to apprentice them to a local woman who was employed in Good Works. Mrs Brownrigg was a recognised midwife and was appointed to look after the women in the poorhouse run by the parish of St Dunstan in the West. The trustees sent her three apprentices who lived at her private house and performed the functions of domestic servants as they learned their trade. But they also learned something else....
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