George Oldenburg

What people wore

Stays used for comfort, not restriction

While working women wore leather or canvas stays for comfort and practicality, they did not restrict their breathing or movement.

Daily life

Varied schooling for children

There was no national education system, and children might attend a variety of settings ranging from charitable schools for the poor to private grammar schools.

Work

Agricultural labor was the most common occupation

The most common job in the 18th century was agricultural labour, where workers, their wives, and children performed seasonal tasks like harvesting and weeding. Agricultural labourers often lived in tied cottages and were hired annually at Martinmas fairs.

Music

Masked performers singing for eggs and beer

Groups known as pace-eggers would travel from house to house wearing masks and fantastic costumes, singing and dancing in exchange for rewards like eggs and strong beer.

At the table

Beer was common for all classes

Beer was a standard drink even for children, with working men often receiving an allowance of up to a gallon per day as part of their wages. Midday dinner for workers typically consisted of bread, beer, and cheese or fatty bacon.

Getting around

Slow, grueling stagecoach travel between towns

Stagecoach travel was slow and physically demanding; for example, a journey from London to Gloucester, 82 miles away, took an entire day. Roads were often so rocky and narrow that passengers reported being jumbled like peas in a child's rattle.

What it cost

Daily wages for skilled building trades

In 1729, a carpenter earned 2s. 6d. per day, while a mason also received 2s. 6d. per day.