Manor House
"If I'd been born 100 years ago a woman of my class would almost certainly have been in service. And I'd like to know what that meant." Antonia, kitchen maid
THE PROJECT|THE HOUSE|THE PEOPLE|EDWARDIAN LIFE|YOU IN 1905|TREATS|SNOB QUIZ
A collection of archived photographs

You are a wife of a Landowner!
- A Snapshot of your life as it might have been in 1905

Education
You're taught by a governess in the schoolroom at home until you're 15 years old. You're then taken travelling around Europe where you meet your husband during the London season.

Career Prospects
At 18, you come out as a debutante and are presented to the King. During the day, you support your husband and spend time with the children. You pour scorn on female friends of yours who you think are becoming too "political". You regard this an activity for men not women and don't have any patience with the suffragette women who are being arrested.

Leisure Time
While in London for the season you spend time shopping in new department stores to buy clothes for the receptions, dinners and dances that you go to. You love going to the theatre, particularly to see the plays of Bernard Shaw.

Living Conditions
You live in the house your husband has inherited from his parents. Although the house is large it's filled by ten servants, the children and friends who come to stay for weekend house parties.

Marital Relations
You marry your husband when you're 20 and suspect he's not always as devoted to you as you are to him.

 Position in Society

Position in society
Your life as it might have been further DOWN society's ladder.
Further down
Position in society Position in society

Other Possible Occupations
It is unlikely that you ever have to work.

General Statistics

  • In 1901, 85 percent of women over 45 were either married or widowed
  • In 1911, almost half of all illegitimate children were born to women in service
  • 'Unemployable' women would often end up at the workhouse, or as prostitutes

Background to You in 1905