Travel to Victorian England

  Derby Day at Epsom racecourse, Epsom Downs, Surrey, England -Greetings,       I had so much fun today! It was Derby Day! I wore a pretty long dress with a matching hat that I had packed specifically for this event. I was lucky to be able to attend as a guest of a highly respected woman at the Grand Stand. The Derby is a race for 3-year-old horses and is held at the Epsom Downs racetrack in Surrey. Derby Day is so highly regarded that it is an unofficial holiday and even Parliament doesn't conduct business. The Epsom Downs course is a large and green plain with three public stands, several small stands, tents, hundreds of shops, a multitude of carriages, and plenty of temporary stables set up.       The British people anticipate The Derby every year and have been preparing all week for the event and been betting on it for months. There had to of been at least 200,000 people out at The Derby today, if not more. Most of those in attendance were dressed in their best summer outfits,

  The Albert Memorial -Greetings,      I started my morning off with a muffin and water I had previously boiled. I went to Kensington Gardens where I visited the beautiful Albert Memorial today. There were so many people visiting the area as well. The memorial is located near the southern entrance of the Royal Albert Hall. The monument is a wonderful example of Victorian Gothic and neo-Gothic styles combined. Prince Albert died back in 1861 when he was only 42 years old, leaving Queen Victoria to grieve his loss tremendously. She still has his clothes laid out daily and takes photos with a marble bust of him. After 10 years of battling, Queen Victoria finally commissioned the Albert Memorial. The monument both celebrates British progress and speaks the language of mourning. In the center of the memorial lies a golden statue of Prince Albert. The figures at the four corners symbolize manufacturing and commerce. The structure of the monument itself wouldn't have been possible if it w

  The Crystal Palace-Heritage Images/Getty Images -Greetings,      I visited the Crystal Palace in Penge Common today. It is another stunning site I have been able to see during my visit. It was originally built in Hyde Park, however it was expanded and moved in 1854, after the Great Exhibition. The Crystal Palace is 1,608 feet long and was built to illustrate the wonders of the Industrial Revolution. The sheer size of the Crystal Palace is enormous; it is significantly larger than St. Paul's Cathedral. It is filled with rail engines, rail boilers, full-working mill machinery, different kinds of carriages, harnesses, goldsmith work, and silversmith work.      I was amazed by the amphitheater. I learned that on the opening day, the orchestra had 1,700 performers seated. The layout and detail was so refined. Everyone was well-dressed and coordinated depending on their positions. The male singers were in white waistcoats. Ministers were in their State dresses. Queen Victoria attended

Group of Breaker Boys by Lewis Hine -Greetings,       Today was a little heavy and eye-opening. Not to mention the weather was also gloomy. I went and visited the site of a mine that fairly recently used to utilize child laborers. While I was there I learned about how two young girls' testimonies helped persuade Parliament to action in regard to working conditions. The two girls were sisters, Ann and Elizabeth Eggley, who were only 18- and 16-years old, respectively. Ann Eggley described hard shifts that were 12 hours or longer throughout the week. They began their day at 4 or 4:30 a.m and would be done around 4 or 5 p.m. She told Parliament she had been working in the pit for 11 years. Elizabeth confirmed Ann's testimony. They both described work that was physically exhausting for them. Their father felt ashamed that his daughters had to work in the mines. I found it sad to hear that both of them testified to not knowing how to spell. Ann also stated that they wore trousers. I

  The Old Adelphi Theatre -Greetings,      Yesterday, I visited the old site of the Adelphi Theatre in Edinburgh. It burned down in 1854. Today is Sunday and I enjoyed the experience of High Tea. It was almost like an indoor picnic. I had different hot and cold foods, tea, and wine. Even though this is considering an activity for high-society, I helped myself to my own food and drinks because it is Sunday, and the servants are not in.      In addition to High Tea, I engaged in learning some embroidery from my host. She taught me white-on-white embroidery and I made my own piece of underclothing. It has been so captivating to see Victorian England. I have witnessed the differences among gender and class here. It is interesting to have read Mrs. Beeton's book about the roles of women and then enjoy High Tea and embroidery with my kind host. I have learned so much during this trip and I am sad to have to leave. I am excited to see where else I will travel to in the future.  Bibliograp