In the Victorian period work inside and outside the home took up much more time than it does today and working people had far less leisure time. There was little money to spare and no radio, television, CDs, cinemas or sports centres. People, however, found all sorts of ways of enjoying what free time they had. In most large towns there were theatres and music halls, which were popular and cheap. Men played or went to watch rugby, football, or cricket. The first football FA Cup final was played in 1871. Cycling was also popular; the Ordinary, or 'Penny Farthing' as we know it was invented in 1870.
The Bank Holiday Act in 1871 made certain days throughout the year official holidays. People went to fairs, parks and gardens, or on a daytrip to the country or seaside. For better-off people there were holidays by train to the seaside and towns such as Blackpool, Southend, Brighton and Ilfracombe in Devon grew into popular holiday resorts. |
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People
enjoyed listening to music. Many people learnt to play an instrument and
held singsongs around the piano. There were newspapers, racing papers,
magazines and comics to read. 