Category: Daily Life in the Past

Women in the 16th Century

By Tim Lambert It is a myth that 16th-century women were meek and submissive. Some were strong-minded and they had more influence than is sometimes imagined. In 1513 Henry VIII went to war in France. He made the queen, Catherine of Aragon, Governor of the Realm, and Captain-General of the home forces in his absence.… Continue reading Women in the 16th Century

Women in the 17th Century

By Tim Lambert Women’s Jobs in the 17th Century In the 17th century, some women had jobs. Some of them worked spinning cloth. Women were milliners, dyers, and embroiderers. There were also washerwomen. Some women worked in food preparation such as brewers, bakers, or confectioners. Women also sold foodstuffs in the streets. A very common… Continue reading Women in the 17th Century

Women in the 18th Century

By Tim Lambert Education for Girls in the 18th Century In the 1700s girls from well-off families went to boarding schools. Poor girls sometimes went to dame schools where they were taught to read and write. Also, in some towns, there were charity schools called blue coat schools because of the colour of the uniforms.… Continue reading Women in the 18th Century

Women in the 19th Century

By Tim Lambert Women’s Jobs in the 19th Century During the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed life in Britain and in other countries in Europe and North America. By the end of the century, life was becoming more and more comfortable for most women. In the 19th century at least 80% of the population… Continue reading Women in the 19th Century