MID-VICTORIAN WOMEN.

Evening Star, Issue 18254, 19 April 1923, Page 3

MID-VICTORIAN WOMEN.

“Wo bad no lessons in needlework, dressmaking, or cookery, and were not taught to dispense with the services of a maid. We never walked alone, or rode without a groom, or went to parties without our constant chaperon—-my dear mother. We were very simply dressed, and never thought of- coming into luncheon after a walk without removing our hats and smoothing our hair. My mother could not accustom herself to a hat, but clung to the old-fashioned bonnet, and crowned her glorious hair with a cap while still a very young matron. Her long and voluminous skirts became often on close terms wiin Buckinghamshire rnud. Sho also followed the custom of the day by coming down to breakfast with her gloves, which were carefully drawn on at the close of the meal. In the evening we, as children, later on as girls, were supposed to take part in any social amusements, and we knew that it was our duty to make ourselves pleasant and agreeable to our elders. Sitting round a centre table, talking whilst at work, was the fashion of the day for old and young." — Lady Battersea.