Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll

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.

Daily life

Cooking over inefficient open fires

Before iron ranges became common in the 1820s and 1830s, many families cooked over open fires, which were highly inefficient as most heat escaped up the chimney.

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.

Music

Everyday singing and festival traditions

People sang at work and leisure, often drawing from well-known ballads or popular songs like The Mistletoe Bough. At festivals, groups such as mummers and pace-eggers performed dances and songs while wearing masks or fantastic costumes to request alms, often rewarded with eggs and strong beer.

At the table

Widespread Adulteration of Basic Foods

Adulteration was widespread, with milk frequently mixed with chalk and water, and butter often colored with added copper.