In the news1772
Slavery effectively outlawed in 1772
Lord Mansfield ruled in 1772 that slavery was not supported by the common law of England, effectively outlawing it.
Buckingham Palace, 24 Feb 1774 – Cambridge House, 8 Jul 1850
11 facts3 sources
24 Feb 1774
Born in Buckingham Palace
1801–1850
Duke of Cambridge
27 Nov 1833
A daughter is born
8 Jul 1850
Dies in Cambridge House, aged 76
He lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Buckingham Palace.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1772
Lord Mansfield ruled in 1772 that slavery was not supported by the common law of England, effectively outlawing it.
Getting around
Slow coach travel speeds in mid-18th century
Coaching became more common after 1760, but travel remained slow; in 1755, average coach speeds to London were less than five miles per hour.
At the table
Sixpenny dinner for craftsmen
For an average London craftsman, a typical dinner consisted of bread, beer, and cheese or fatty bacon, often costing sixpence.
Around the world · 1769–1776Watt’s steam engine. James Watt’s much more efficient steam engine, patented in 1769, powered the mills and mines of the Industrial Revolution.
What people wore
Two Outfits for Respectability
Working-class individuals typically aimed to own two complete outfits, reserving their best clothing for Sundays and holidays.
Music
Music at a Black social club
At a 1773 dance in Southwark, a group of 59 Black servants entertained themselves with music played on violins and French horns. All the performers in this band were Black, and no White people were allowed to attend.
Daily life
Piped Water Cost Three Shillings
In London, some houses had water piped to them three times a week for a cost of three shillings per quarter.