Rich and Poor Victorians
The Victorian Era refers to a period of British history during the 19th century. Victorians had a wide range of social classes, from very wealthy to very poor. The wealthy were able to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, while the poor struggled to survive.
Rich and poor Victorians
Rich Victorians: This refers to people in Victorian England who had a high social standing, wealth, and access to power. They often lived in large houses and had access to servants and luxuries. They threw extravagant parties to display their wealth and would wear very expensive clothes.
Poor Victorians: This refers to people in Victorian England who had a low social standing, limited or no wealth, and limited access to power. They often lived in small houses or slums and had limited access to basic necessities like food, water and clothing. They often had no money for anything.
Social Class: This refers to the divisions in Victorian England that were based on wealth, power, and social standing. The upper class was made up of the wealthy and powerful, while the lower class was made up of the poor and powerless.
Did you know?
During the Victorian era, the wealthy would often have their portraits painted with their pet dogs, as a way of showing off their wealth. The wealthy Victorians would often travel on luxury steamboats called 'Paddle Steamers' which were powered by steam engines. The poor Victorians would often sleep on the streets, and had to resort to eating food from the local market that had been discarded as unfit for sale.
What were the differences between the rich and poor Victorians?
How did the rich and poor Victorians use their wealth?
What do you think life was like for the rich and poor Victorians?
During the Victorian era, what did rich Victorians wear on their heads?
- Baseball caps
- Beanies
- Top hats
- Cowboy hats
What type of houses did rich Victorians live in?
- Mansions
- Tents
- Treehouses
- Caves
Work together in pairs: Which part of life in Victorian England do you think made the differences between the rich and poor so obvious?
Brain break: Draw a dancing elephant wearing a disco outfit, complete with a colorful sequined jacket and platform shoes
Clues
In pairs: Select one task
Question: What were the differences between the lives of rich and poor Victorians?
Rich Victorians were able to have more luxuries than poor Victorians. Poor Victorians were more likely to work in dangerous conditions for lower pay. Rich Victorians had access to better healthcare and education than poor Victorians.
A: In pairs, create a drawing to show the differences between the lifestyles of rich and poor Victorians. B: Choose one of the two lifestyles and explain why it is more advantageous than the other.