Developments in transport and technology, shorter working hours, rising real incomes, and municipal provision for ‘rational recreations’ opened up new worlds of leisure and entertainment for the Victorians – and for the Edwardians in turn. Among them were motor cars for the rich, foreign travel for the middle classes, cinema and music hall for the masses, and new public libraries for the ‘education and inspiration’ of working men, women and children. This lecture will consider these pursuits in the early 20th century, and take a particular look at the Edwardian music hall, its star performers, and the working conditions of its artistes.
Course aim
This lecture will consider how Edwardians of different social classes spent their leisure, with a particular focus on developments in transport and technology, shorter working hours, and the new opportunities offered for some by rising real incomes,
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Assess the importance of rising real incomes in the provision of leisure activities in Edwardian Britain.
- Explain the popularity of the Edwardian music hall with the middle classes as well as 'the masses'.
- Develop your skills of critical analysis of historical evidence.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
Edwardian Britain-Edwardians at Play–Leisure & Entertainment (Lecture Hour)
