In the news1840
Introduction of the Penny Post
The Uniform Penny Post was introduced in 1840, making mail affordable and leading to a five-fold increase in sent letters.
Windsor Castle, 6 Aug 1844 – Schloss Rosenau, 30 Jul 1900
13 facts3 sources
6 Aug 1844
Born in Windsor Castle
1866–1900
Duke of Edinburgh
1874–1884
6 children are born
30 Jul 1900
Dies in Schloss Rosenau, aged 55
He lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Windsor Castle.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1840
The Uniform Penny Post was introduced in 1840, making mail affordable and leading to a five-fold increase in sent letters.
What people wore
Everyday Men's Fashion Colors
During this period, men's clothing was typically divided into dress and undress; the latter, or everyday wear, often featured frock coats in brown or green colors with black velvet collars.
Daily life
Limited access to formal education
Formal schooling was not free or compulsory, so many children stayed home to help with domestic tasks or simple industrial work, often attending only Sunday School for structured education.
In the news1842
Prussia introduced new laws enabling greater freedom of movement and settlement for individuals not dependent on public relief.
Music
Evolution of popular dance and movement
Formal dancing evolved during this period from traditional country dances and minuets to include newer, intimate partner dances like the quadrille and the waltz, with the polka emerging by 1840. Early public performances of the waltz were known to involve energetic movements like hopping, stamping, and throwing partners in the air.
In Europe1845–1852
Potato blight ruined harvests: a million Irish people died and a million more emigrated, many to America.
Getting around
Walking was the common mode of travel
For everyday travel, most people relied on walking, typically covering about 3 miles per hour and rarely exceeding 20 miles in a single day.