A Study In The Edwardian Era An Introduction study one

Downton Abbey is one of my favourite series, based largely on real history, which makes it all the more interesting. The Era portrayed is the link between our "modern" world and the Victorian world, which was such a different time when compared to the one we live today. The Edwardian Era was one of invention and change, a time when the lives of every-one, upper class and lower class, changed forever. The fashion, especially for women, became very "sensible" --- long flowing skirts, stopping just above the ankle and tailored jackets. It became possible for women to dress themselves instead of always relying on a ladies maid or each other --- much more practical. Out of all the "Fashions" in history, this, the Edwardian Era, is my favourite. The long flowing skirt, beautifully decorated evening dresses and the ability to dye with such lovely colours. The dress became very practical, even before The Great War.

The reality of an upper class and lower class was very evident! However "strange" it seems to us it was the only life people knew back then. If you were fortunate enough to be born into gentry, it would seem like a life of ease and being waited on, having servants to cook, help dress, clean the house, and so on. Although the truth may have been a little different, as the series portrays. The other side of life --- the emotions, status, "one's duty" --- may have been different. A daughter had no claim to her father's estate, as laid down in the Law of the time, and she quite often had to marry because of position, it was 'rare' to marry for love. How many lives of the upper class were truly happy? They lived according to manners, position, and the like. We can only 'imagine' their feelings, thoughts and plans. The daughters were raised to do charitable works, get married and have children --- "an heir and a spare". Paid employment just did not exist for the ladies of the gentry. That is until The Great War! Princesses learnt to work as nurses in the war hospitals, and the ladies followed their example. Today, it is quite normal for a Princess to be in paid employment. Perhaps we are freer to choose our lives today.

 When Lady Sybil decided to train as a nurse because she wanted to help with the War effort, it was interesting to watch as the Lady learnt 'to make a cup of tea', make her own bed, do her own hair. I can only imagine Lady Sybil's nervousness in leaving home and staying at the Nurses College with complete strangers from all walks of life, also the excitement of 'complete' freedom. As the old dowager said:"Pack things that Sybil can get in and out of without a maid!" --- Lady Sybil was on her own now!