Sports In The Victorian Era

The Victorian Era was the history of the United Kingdom during Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901. The Victorian society was broken up into four different classes, Gentry, Upper Class, Middle Class, and Working Class. Depending on what class you were a part of determined the type of diversion you got to participate in. Of course, the higher classes were involved in a wider range of activities. The lower classes activities were limited and not as diverse. Sports in the Victorian Era were mainly competitive and taken seriously. However, some of the sports and games were brought to exercise, flirt, and socialize. They also brought less competitive games and playful activities to be shared by women and children. Some of their activities included walking, riding, cycling, gardening, playing a musical instrument, and visiting. These activities were mainly to stay busy and interfere with children’s chores (Mitchell 215). Some of the more

Many women also couldn't afford to participate due to very little pay. Popular activities for women were skating, archery, croquet, and riding horses. As time passed, women started to participate in more male-dominated sports such as golf, swimming, and cricket. In 1881, the invention of bicycles gave women more freedom, Although many criticized women riding bikes, they still did with the proper apparel (“Popular Activities for Women”). Men usually participated in activities such as cockfighting and ratpits. They enjoyed these games while doing things like drinking, gambling, and billiards which was one of the all time favorites. Most men also played card games such as poker and played to the extent of losing their wages. However, if men did lose their wages, they would force the entire family to work and earn it all back. Men also participated in outdoor games such as Tennis, Shooting, Cricket, and Fishing. (“Popular Activities for