The Upper Class
The values and expectations for the upper class were high from the Victorian Era into the Edwardian Era. Though wealth was very important, it did not solely define the upper class. In fact, many families in high society were poor in regards to dwindling resources on numerous farm lands and properties. Selling these was not an option, due to these assets acting as inheritance to future kin. Aristocracy was known for their reputations than monetary value, and upheld it in every aspect of their daily lives. The family name was everything to them; giving families political, social, and financial prospects.
Victorian Era
During the reign of Queen Victoria, etiquette was in every aristocrat’s vocabulary. Everything from the way you would address someone and your appearance sparked a conversation and sent a message to society. To wrongly address a member of society or dress in the wrong fashion would mean being shunned from the inner circle of the upper crust. There were many rules and restrictions that were followed each day by the aristocracy.
You had to know who you could speak to, aware of being properly introduced beforehand. Young women were chaperoned, never to be left alone with a man who was not family. This would lead to her reputation being ruined and the gentleman objected to ridicule and left to gossip. Women in the upper class had one goal in regards to a career, married life. Their job was to embody their husbands in a respectful manner. They were also allowed to participate in charity work, but only smaller projects like sewing or food baskets for the poor. Men had to wait and judge for the appropriate time to smoke or drink in front of women. Parties, dances, and social visits, plus staying in the know about others in your social circle, were full time jobs in upper class society.
You had to know who you could speak to, aware of being properly introduced beforehand. Young women were chaperoned, never to be left alone with a man who was not family. This would lead to her reputation being ruined and the gentleman objected to ridicule and left to gossip. Women in the upper class had one goal in regards to a career, married life. Their job was to embody their husbands in a respectful manner. They were also allowed to participate in charity work, but only smaller projects like sewing or food baskets for the poor. Men had to wait and judge for the appropriate time to smoke or drink in front of women. Parties, dances, and social visits, plus staying in the know about others in your social circle, were full time jobs in upper class society.
Edwardian Era
King Edward VII had a major influence on the aristocracy during this time. Everything society was during this time was because of him. He was known to be larger than life and had many indulgences, from wine to women. Edward appreciated women; he looked for women who had great minds, and bodies to match, constantly surrounding him with them. Edward mingled with people of all classes; however, he did have an exclusive inner circle of friends called the “Marlborough Set”. Wealth was considered higher than birth in his ring of society.
This age was considered “The Lost Golden Age”. In order to gain membership to this “club” known as High Society, you must have capital, inheritance, and manners. This is how you gained respect and compliance from people of other classes and your own. However, these rewards were maintained by a strict list of rules and formalities in order to keep the line between society and non-society clear.
This age was considered “The Lost Golden Age”. In order to gain membership to this “club” known as High Society, you must have capital, inheritance, and manners. This is how you gained respect and compliance from people of other classes and your own. However, these rewards were maintained by a strict list of rules and formalities in order to keep the line between society and non-society clear.
For more information:
Rose, Tudor . "Victorian Society." on AboutBritain.com. Excelsior Information Systems, n.d. Web. 3 Jan. 2014. <http://www.aboutbritain.com/articles/victorian-society.asp>.
Thomas , Pauline . "The Mood of Edwardian Society." Edwardian Society. Fashion Era, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.fashion-era.com/the_mood_of_edwardian_society.
Wilds, Steve. "The 19th Century British Class System." Writing.com. Writing.com, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.writing.com/main/view_iten/item_id/1798024-The-19th-Century>.
Rose, Tudor . "Victorian Society." on AboutBritain.com. Excelsior Information Systems, n.d. Web. 3 Jan. 2014. <http://www.aboutbritain.com/articles/victorian-society.asp>.
Thomas , Pauline . "The Mood of Edwardian Society." Edwardian Society. Fashion Era, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.fashion-era.com/the_mood_of_edwardian_society.
Wilds, Steve. "The 19th Century British Class System." Writing.com. Writing.com, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.writing.com/main/view_iten/item_id/1798024-The-19th-Century>.