Following the tragic demise of Queen Victoria’s beloved husband, Albert, England’s ruler plunged into profound grief that endured for decades. The loss weighed heavily upon the queen, leading her to embrace seclusion for the remainder of her existence. She adamantly declined any public engagements, donning somber black attire for an astonishing four decades until her eventual passing.
The monarch’s profound mourning earned her the moniker “the Widow of Windsor.” As time passed, whispers of her descending into madness began to circulate, further distorting the image of the once vibrant queen that lingered in people’s memories. Throughout those years, she starkly contrasted to the regal figure she had once embodied.
Bizarre Street Food
In the past, before the era of hotdogs and pizzas on street corners, the English had their own peculiar street foods that were surprisingly popular. One of these curious delicacies was none other than sheep's feet, commonly known as "trotters." Street vendors would meticulously prepare these trotters by skinning and parboiling them, resulting in a savory treat (for those with adventurous palates, at least).
Hungry workers would eagerly flock to these street vendors, indulging in the unique experience of sucking the tender meat and flavorful fat off the bones. It may sound unusual to us now, but back then, sheep's feet were a hearty and affordable option that satisfied the hunger and taste buds of many Englishmen and women on the go.
Dental Care
In the Victorian age, maintaining dental hygiene was a bit of a DIY affair. Toothpaste, as we know it today, had not yet been invented, but the resourceful Brits found their own solutions. One popular homemade toothpaste recipe involved a simple mixture of charcoal and honey. While the thought of brushing with charcoal may seem odd, it's worth noting that activated charcoal is actually used in modern dental care to whiten teeth.
So, perhaps the Victorians were onto something with their charcoal-based dentifrice. As for adding honey, it's unclear how effective or pleasant it was in pursuing oral cleanliness. Nonetheless, it's fascinating to see how dental care has evolved over the centuries, moving from humble homemade concoctions to the wide range of oral care products we have today.
No Makeup
During the Victorian era, adherence to strict societal norms governed the behaviors of high-society women, including their approach to makeup. It was deemed inappropriate for refined ladies to wear any cosmetic enhancement. The use of makeup was associated with women of a different profession, leading to a stigmatized perception. Lipstick, in particular, was considered suspicious, as its allure was considered bewitching and potentially manipulative to men.
Instead, cultured women seeking a touch of color would resort to more acceptable means. Some daring individuals might resort to pinching their cheeks or discreetly applying a hint of rouge, cautiously exploring their risqué side while still conforming to the era's restrictive beauty standards.
Shocking Effects
In the 19th century, electrotherapy, also known as shock therapy, gained popularity as a treatment for various ailments across the United Kingdom. It was believed that this "advanced technology" could rid the patient's system of ailments ranging from gout and liver problems to arthritis. The approach involved subjecting the body to electric shocks in the hope of purging the perceived negative elements.
While shock therapy still finds application in certain specific cases today, it is safe to assume that the methods employed during that era were far from subtle. Moreover, the efficacy of such treatments for liver problems was questionable at best. As medical understanding has evolved, more refined and targeted approaches have replaced the indiscriminate use of shock therapy.