Although there were no radio sets,

Although there were no radio sets, television, cinemas or motor cars, the Victorians didn’t find the life dull. People worked longer hours, often twelve or fourteen hours a day. Amusements were simple and the family often gathered round the piano to sing the latest popular songs, or entertained each other by reciting or playing the piano. Public readings from Dickens and recitations were popular, and drew large audiences. In London and the large towns the music halls were not considered quite respectable, but the theatre was sometimes visited.

Children very rarely went to any entertainment, except perhaps to the circus or to a pantomime. They had their parties, with many of the games which are still played, like blind man’s buff. Children had plenty of books. Many of the best children’s stories were written in Victorian days: Alice in Wonderland, The Water Babies, Tom Brown’s Schooldays, Black Beauty, Little Women and Treasure Island.