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Aspects of Life in 19th Century Worcestershire

Entertainment and Leisure

The latter half of the nineteenth century saw the growth in commercial exploitation of leisure, such as fairgrounds and music halls. Technological advances such as the invention of the bicycle also played a large part in bringing leisure activities to the masses.

Please click on the thumbnails for a larger picture.

Lady Master on Tricycle, 31 Oct 1897
The invention of the bicycle, as well as being a cheaper mode of transport, helped to liberate many women during the nineteenth century. It did, however, create heated discussions over appropriate dress for lady cyclists

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T. Scott & Sons, 'Coronation Scenic
Electric Gallopers', c.1890
Improvements in the mechanisms of fairground rides such as roundabouts led to their increase in popularity.

St Johns Cycling Club - Accident
near Bransford Bridge, c.1880

Maypole Dancing, Badsey
School Children, [late 19th cent.]

Further Reading

National Fairground Archive, Main Library, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, Tel: 01144 222 7231

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