cuddyclothes: (strawberries)
[personal profile] cuddyclothes
This isn't a collection of the usual stuff about balls, dinners, etc. This post addresses the lives of single gentlemen and ladies, owners of townhouses, and great country homes.

What Downton Abbey Doesn't Tell You This blog entry summarizes what is seen on the show versus the reality of life, in great detail.

The 1920s In Britain from Historic UK, a fantastic research resource
Excerpt:
What was it like to live in the 1920s? The 1920s, also known as the ‘Roaring Twenties’, was a decade of contrasts. The First World War had ended in victory, peace had returned and with it, prosperity. For some the war had proved to be very profitable. Manufacturers and suppliers of goods needed for the war effort had prospered throughout the war years and become very rich. For the ‘Bright Young Things’ from the aristocracy and wealthier classes, life had never been better.

Social Classes And Status In The 1920s. What it says on the tin. Concerning itself with America, this is a short PDF that can be helpful.

10 Things You Didn't Know About The Aristocracy from the Official Magazine of Britain
Excerpt:
10. When it comes to historical connections they don’t come greater than the 11th Duke of Devonshire (1920-2004) says Professor Wasson. “He was closely related by blood or marriage to President John F Kennedy, the fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley, the Hollywood star Fred Astaire, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, the novelist Nancy Mitford, and the communist journalist Jessica Mitford. His great grandfather was three-time Prime Minister the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury.

How American "Dollar Princesses" Invaded British High Society

Excerpt:
Between the late 19th century and World War II, a flood of “dollar princesses” flocked to England looking for love. In return for a coveted title, they offered their much-needed wealth to an aristocracy desperate for cash. And along the way, they helped change British royalty forever—including the lives of the modern-day heirs to Britain’s throne.

British Nobility - Wikipedia

Why Did The British Aristocracy Become Poorer As Society Modernized? 

Excerpt: Those aristocrats fortunate enough to survive the war returned to a very different country than the one they left. The high death rate amongst young officers resulted in many field commissions from outside the nobility. Shop keepers and servants that returned wearing lieutenant colonel or major’s rank slides were less inclined to return to their previous servile positions.
Those aristocrats fortunate enough to survive the war returned to a very different country than the one they left.


cuddyclothes: (Tea Tea Tea)
[personal profile] cuddyclothes
Have a question? Need a link? Wonder who did the laundry in the 1920s? What was the most expensive car in 1912? Ask the librarian!

Library users are also encouraged to answer, because the librarian only has so much time.

If the library has helped you, or if you have just enjoyed browsing, please leave a note here. It would be much appreciated!

cuddyclothes: (strawberries)
[personal profile] cuddyclothes
What ho and welcome! Pour yourself a cup of tea and feel free to browse among the stacks. This is a general fandom historical resource library for writers of fanfic and origfic in Great Britain and America, roughly from 1850 until 1945. All fandoms are encouraged!

People can also ask the librarian about information they need. Other users are encouraged to post or to provide information on existing posts.

Research junkies welcome!

Please bear in mind that this library is under construction so check back regularly.

There are currently (Oct. 30, 2020) entries on servants, slang, sexual slang, lbgtq history. And resources to help you write smut!

To come:
Aristocratic life and manners in the 19th and 20th century
Clothing, with an emphasis on women's clothing

And more will be added as necessary. There is also be an "Ask The Librarian" post. Anyone besides the mod can answer the questions posed therein (in fact we encourage it).

Members, the mod has limited information about history before 1900, so please post entries regarding earlier times. Everyone will appreciate it.


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