Full Width [alt+shift+f] FOCUS MODE Shortcuts [alt+shift+k]
Sign Up [alt+shift+s] Log In [alt+shift+l]
68
Victorians were inveterate 'swappers' (NB: this might not be what you think!). Newspapers and journals were full of ads for objects sought and to be exchanged. These offer a fascinating insight into what was considered desirable, the value of objects, and the processes of exchange.
9 months ago

Comments

Improve your reading experience

Logged in users get linked directly to articles resulting in a better reading experience. Please login for free, it takes less than 1 minute.

More from Dr Alun Withey

Jolted and Jumbled: Riding in a Sedan Chair in the 18th Century

If there is one form of transport that perhaps typifies the 18th century more than any other, it is a sedan chair.  Recently I have been doing some work on stage coaches, and the experience of what it was actually like to travel in one. This is already turning up some interesting evidence, suggesting that, far … Continue reading Jolted and Jumbled: Riding in a Sedan Chair in the 18th Century

16 hours ago 4 votes
To Tip or Not To Tip: A Victorian Traveller’s Perspective

Like it or not, tipping is a big part of hospitality and the service industry. Debates about how much/whether to tip rumble on, but they are not new. Even in the 18th and 19th centuries, travellers were complaining about the amount of unwanted or unexpected extras they had to pay for.

7 months ago 83 votes
News Just In: Dr W Joins TikTok – @dralun7

Yes, it’s true – I’ve finally joined the 21st century and decided to try something new. I am still only setting things up, so please be patient with the extremely cheesy and clunky vids as I try to work out what I’m doing! I’ve only got a couple of videos up at the moment too, … Continue reading News Just In: Dr W Joins TikTok – @dralun7

8 months ago 94 votes
Should I Stay or Should I go?: Encouraging travel in the early modern period.

Travel today is often portrayed as a healthy activity, good for body, mind…and what’s left of the spirit!  A good holiday is generally viewed as a tonic, and holiday company advertisements extol the virtues of ‘getting away’, encountering new places, people and cultures and (if you want to ‘live life to the full’) experiences. As one travel … Continue reading Should I Stay or Should I go?: Encouraging travel in the early modern period.

a year ago 88 votes

More in history

Jolted and Jumbled: Riding in a Sedan Chair in the 18th Century

If there is one form of transport that perhaps typifies the 18th century more than any other, it is a sedan chair.  Recently I have been doing some work on stage coaches, and the experience of what it was actually like to travel in one. This is already turning up some interesting evidence, suggesting that, far … Continue reading Jolted and Jumbled: Riding in a Sedan Chair in the 18th Century

16 hours ago 4 votes
The Ancient Greek World at War

The Ancient Greek World at War JamesHoare Tue, 08/19/2025 - 08:28

16 hours ago 3 votes
The Legendary Knight Sir Galahad Who Found the Holy Grail

In the Arthurian legends, many of King Arthur’s knights undertake a quest to try to find the Holy Grail. Due to how special the grail was, it could not be acquired by just anyone. Of all of King Arthur’s knights, Sir Galahad was exceptionally virtuous. He was even viewed as the perfect knight. Because […]

17 hours ago 2 votes
‘The Invention of the Eastern Question’ by Ozan Ozavcı review

‘The Invention of the Eastern Question’ by Ozan Ozavcı review JamesHoare Tue, 08/19/2025 - 08:29

16 hours ago 2 votes
What Was the Council of Trent? (History & Legacy)

On December 13, 1545, around 30 bishops and other religious representatives gathered in the Cathedral of St. Vigilius in Trent, a town in northern Italy. It was the first session of the Council of Trent, the 19th ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. Summoned by Pope Paul III after a 25-year waiting period, the […]

9 hours ago 2 votes