Victorian History: Did you know…?
History is not an area of the curriculum that immediately comes to mind when you think about Busy Things, but its history area is actually well populated, with historic timelines as well as information-rich activities exploring the different eras.
In this blog, we look at its activities (and comprehensive guidance notes) on the Victorians to uncover 5 fun facts. Did you know, for example, that …
- the Victorians first invented the lightbulb?
- children in Victorian schools had a 2-hour lunchtime?
- Queen Victoria was England’s second longest-reigning monarch?
- in Victorian times, it could take up to 20 minutes to take a single photo?
- Florence Nightingale, as well as being the founder of modern nursing, was also a social reformer, statistician and writer?
Victorian inventions > The lightbulb
Joseph Swan, a British chemist, invented the first lightbulb in 1878, before US inventor, Thomas Edison, modified the idea to make the light it produced last longer.
The invention transformed everyday life, giving good light so the working day could be extended to after sunset, allowing homes to be lit safely and reducing the number of house fires.
Victorian children > A Victorian school
Victorian schools started at 9am, had lunch between 12 noon and 2pm, and then closed for the day at 5pm.
The 2-hour dinner hour was probably the best thing about the day, as children were expected to pay attention at all times and punishments were plentiful and severe.
Queen Victoria > Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria was just 18 years old when she became queen in June 1837.
She died aged 81 on 22nd January 1901. She reigned for 63 years and is the second longest-reigning monarch after Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years.
Victorian leisure and art > A Victorian photograph
Photography was in its infancy in Victorian times, having only been invented in 1838.
The equipment was large and expensive, and needed a professional to use it, so you wouldn’t have your photo taken very often.
People didn’t smile for a photo because a) they had to sit for so long while the photo was taken and b) their teeth were generally poor.
Famous Victorians > Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale, born on 12th May 1820, wanted to change things for the better in society, she understood data when very few other people did as well as being the founder of modern nursing.
An amazing woman, there’s a whole lot more to her story than ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ implies.
What next?
We hope this list of activities helps you understand exactly how Busy Things can support you when covering historic topics.
All the activities mentioned are available to play if you have a Busy Things login. Simply type the keyword of the activity you are looking for, and it will appear in the listings.
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