Victorian Era Calendar

What characterized the middle class in the Victorian era?

Marked by the ownership of servants, with women typically not working.

What was the significance of church attendance for the middle class in the 19th century?

It was very important and reflected their social status (upper class).

What adjustments were made to work during religious holidays in the Victorian era?

Workers had to adjust their work for the holiday but did not get the day off.

Who is the head of the Church of England?

The monarch is the head of the Church of England.

What is the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England?

He is a member of the House of Lords.

What is unique about the clergy in the Church of England?

Priests can get married, and members of the clergy are typically middle class.

What does Holy Rood Day celebrate and when is it observed?

Celebrated on September 14th, it commemorates the finding of the true cross by St. Monica.

What does "rood" stand for?

cross

Who is Holy Rood Day celebrated by?

Children (employed ones were allowed off at noon and school children were also given a half day) they went into the woods to find nuts

What was the educational practice for boys and girls in the Victorian era?

Boys and girls were educated at home by a governess, mother, or elderly relative (sometimes a maid), with boys going to boarding school at age 7 or 8.

What is Michaelmas and what does it signify?

Celebrated on September 29th, it marks the last day of the harvest and is also known as Goose Day.

What did people do on Michealmas?

People were expected to pay their accounts in full or if they were in debt gave creditors a freshly killed goose

What time of year did Michealmas start?

It began the advent term for children and the winter curfew

What was the significance of the Winter curfew in the Victorian era?

It required household cooking/heating fires to be put out by 9 PM (bell rung), marking a time when people were expected to be indoors. (curfew ended in March)

What was the Mop Fair and its purpose?

A job fair held in Victorian cities where servants sought employment, symbolized by carrying a symbol of their employment for example mops.

Servants were given a shilling which is equal to 20 pence

How long were job contracts?

Started in October after the Mop Fair and then ended the following October.

What is Hallowtide and how is it celebrated?

A three-day celebration from October 31 to November 2, where children would ask for Hallow Cakes by singing or reciting songs.

What would children carry house to house and what were they expected to be given?

Children carried Hobby horses and were given "Hallow Cakes" which were buns filled with fruit

What are the days following Hallowtide?

All Saints day (required to attend Church) and All Souls Day (respecting the dead)

What day is Guy Fawkes Day and when was Guy Fawkes arrested?

Nov 5th and Nov 4th

What historical event does Guy Fawkes Day commemorate?

It commemorates the failed gunpowder plot to assassinate King James I and members of Parliament.

How was Guy Fawkes Day celebrated?

Fireworks, bonfires, and food along with children constructing dolls out of straw

What did children do with Guy Fawkes dolls?

Children would sit out in public with a dish and repeated rhymes hoping to be given a penny if people liked the doll (Penny for the guy)

What was the impact of the 1829 Catholic Emancipation Act?

It allowed Catholics to buy property, build churches, and participate in some universities and Parliament, but anti-Catholic sentiments persisted.

What were Catholics still not permitted to do?

They are not allowed to hold position of Lord Chancelor or being in line for the throne of England

What were the consequences for Catholics after the 1829 Catholic Emancipation Act?

Despite some rights gained, anti-Catholic violence and discrimination continued, including physical assaults and vandalism.

What is celebrated on the Feast Day of St. Martin of Tours?

Celebrated on November 11, it honors St. Martin (Soldier turned Priest), known for his charity, and marks the end of the sowing of winter wheat.

How was Martinmas celebrated?

People butchered animals and would then go to find new jobs, this also included the first consumption of beer and wine of the year

How did the rural version of the Mop Fair differ from the urban version?

The rural version involved finding new jobs and was marked by butchering animals, unlike the urban job fair.