Victorian Vehicles

Salutations Gentle Reader,
I hope you enjoy these delightful conveyances.



Brougham
Hard topped and small enough to be pulled by a pair of steeds, the Brougham was considered a staid choice for the Victorian middle class.

Barouche

For the man of means and able to convey four passengers.  In Sense and Sensibility Mrs. Gatewood boasts that her brother owns his own barouche.

Phaeton
Named after the mythical Phaeton, who nearly set the earth on fire while attempting to drive the chariot of the sun. Fast and dangerous, this minimal bodied carriage had no side protection, thus a gentleman's trousers or lady's skirt was easily soiled by flying mud.

Curricle
 Drawn by two horses, this light-weight carriage quickly became the prime choice for the fashionable young man about town, eager to demonstrate his driving skills.

Landau
Named after the German city where it was first produced, the Landau was a social carriage with facing seats.

 Town Coach 
This closed carriage was used by only the very rich and the nobility put their coat of arms on the door.

Gig
Drawn by one horse, a gig was the popular conveyance in the countryside.

Dogcart
This vehicle had a ventilated box under the seat for putting one's hunting dogs in when driving to the fox hunt.





 Hansom


The Victorian taxi cab with the driver sitting behind the cab and the reins passing over the top.

Gold State Coach
An enclosed, eight horse-drawn carriage used by the British Royal Family and has been used at the coronation of every British monarch since George IV.

Moonlit Seduction excerpt from "The Herbalist's Apprentice"

written by Rosa Morgan
The pavilion that Pappa was so eager to see, didn't disappoint. Situated amid a landscaped park, with croquet grounds and a bowling green, it magically twinkled with hundreds of tiny lights. “That's fine marquetry and fretwork,” Pappa said admiringly. “Did you notice the star motif carved into each panel?” My foot was already tapping to the lively rhythm as dancers glided past me. I replied absentmindedly, “Yes, Pappa, that’s very nice.”


A young man in an over-sized suit approached me. “How do, Miss Stein. Remember me, Gordon Sinclair from Tremont House.” How could I forget the enthusiastic privy builder. “I surely would enjoy to dance with you, or perhaps you’d like a cup of punch first? It is rather warm in here.” Eagerly accepting his hand, I said, “I’m quite refreshed, and would love to dance with you.” I was grateful Mister Sinclair had not been as heavy handed with his cologne as on our first meeting.





Together, we mastered the allemande and the do-si-do, though the intricate French rigadoon step was beyond us. We certainly weren't the most graceful dancers, but no one matched our youthful abandon. I felt no amorous attraction toward my partner, as I imagined happened on a real date, and due to his simple charm, I would’ve been content to dance the night away solely with him, if it hadn’t been for the unexpected turn of events.





During a feverish pirouette, I caught a glimpse of Pappa waving a farewell to me before departing the room. Nonplussed, I excused myself from my crestfallen partner, and made my way through the crowd. I approached the man Pappa had been speaking with and realized he was Pappa's fighting comrade, Henri Dubois. I cannot be faulted for not at first recognizing the Frenchman, for his appearance at the fair had been that of a buck skinned frontiersman, whereas he was now dressed as the quintessential gentleman with frockcoat and silk vest.




“Excuse me, Mr. Dubois, I believe we have met before. I’m Klaus Stein’s daughter, Mia.” Giving me the once over, he replied, “Mademoiselle Mia, I remember you well. Très beau. And please, I’m Henri to you.” He bowed, then lightly kissed both my cheeks. Flustered by his European manners, I managed, “And my father, do you know where he’s gone off to?” “To your accommodations. He was tired and ready to take you back, but seeing how much fun you were having, I convinced him you should stay. Please, don’t look so alarmed, I promised him your safe return.” I was surprised by Pappa’s decision to leave me under Henri’s care. However, considering the admiration he felt for the man, and the fact he was twice my age, no doubt he felt it proper.After an uncomfortable silence, and my rejection of Mr. Sinclair's offer of another dance, Henri said, “Would you care to take a walk along the boardwalk? It’s a lovely evening, and you’ll enjoy the breeze after your exertion.” The question was merely an empty formality, for the Frenchman had boldly linked his arm with mine, and was leading me in the direction of the door. The night was enchanting with the sound of breaking surf and the full moon lighting our way. Henri wasn't inclined to conversation, though whenever I ventured a glance toward him, I found him intensely observing me.By the time we reached the far end of the boardwalk, the dance music could no longer be heard and we were quite alone. I prattled nervously, “My mother once told me that the man in the moon was sent there as a punishment for gathering firewood on the Sabbath.” Amused, Henri’s dark eyes crinkled. “That seems severe. I’m sure I’ve committed more grievous trespasses on any given Sunday. Perhaps, the man gathered the firewood when the moon was at the full. If so, it’s the very fault of that celestial body for his bold behavior.” “Do you mean he was a lunatic?” “Someone doesn't have to be mad as a hatter to be affected by the beauty of a full moon. I think it simply encourages you to do what you already want to do. We are after all animals with primal urges.” With no warning and certainly without my permission, Henri picked me up and carried me down the embankment to the beach. Holding me firmly against his body, I felt the strength of his arms and his breath warm upon my cheek.

Gentle Reader, if you enjoy this excerpt, I encourage you to buy the novel, so you may enjoy its entirety. 

Victorian Indoor Pastimes

written by Rosa Morgan
Gentle Readers,
Herein follows the promised post for whiling away the hours indoors. I hope you will find it amusing and applicable to your situation. Let's begin with darts. This challenging pursuit originated in Medieval times when soldiers threw arrows or crossbow bolts at upturned wine barrels. It proceeded to tree cross sections and is now found at every respectable pub, but the homeowner can also share the fun in the privacy of their own domicile. The gentleman's back parlor after port and cigars is the most advantageous location, and imported French missiles with split turkey feathers are preferred.



Scrap-booking is a hobby enjoyed by young and old. Flowers, angels, and kittens are popular motifs, but men should not despair, for military and naval themes are equally engaging.



There are far too many delightful card games to list here, however, the following standards are ones that every host should be well versed in. Whist, derived from the older game Ruff and Honours, is a deceptively simple game for beginners, but decidedly complex for the advanced player. Two-handed Bezique is quite fun and enjoyed by the likes of writers, Wilkie Collins and Christina Rossetti. Faro has become extremely popular out West with the Gold Rush prospectors.

Backgammon can be a lively diversion, especially at country house weekend parties, though the gambling aspect may be objected to by the overly religious.



Chess is for the cerebral inclined and not recommended for large gatherings. The first tournament was held in London in 1851 and won by the brilliant German chess master, Adolf Anderssen.



Draughts is another game of skill that can be played by the youngest members of the family.

Whatever your choice of folly, I hope you and your friends and family will share the hours of camaraderie in joyful abandon.

Victorian Outdoor Pastimes

written by Rosa Morgan
If you are of a certain class and can afford a cook to prepare meals, a maid or two to tend domestic matters, and a gardener for the grounds, you may find yourself after the de rigueur dinner parties and pursuit of scholarly endeavors that are not too taxing, that you still have hours in the day to while away. It is then I kindly recommend the following physical exertions, which will stimulate the humors and offer alternative opportunities for socializing amongst other ladies and gentlemen of leisure.






Croquet is a brilliant choice; allowing men and women to exchange light repartee whilst limbering their lax limbs. Avoid cumbersome conversational topics such as women's right to vote, lest you find yourself in a sticky wicket.




Archery is at the height of fashion, exemplified by Queen Victoria, who is patron of The Society of Saint Leonard's Archers. In H. A. Ford's book, Archery, its Theory and Practice, he writes, "There is no exercise more healthy or rational or which returns more true and genuine gratification to the man who practices it." I may add this is equally true for women.



In the 1890's William Morgan invented a game called mintonette that combined elements of basketball, tennis and handball. This highly active pursuit, later to become known as volleyball, should be practiced with caution by the fairer sex as irrevocable damage may be done to the reproductive organs.



Whether you own an old boneshaker such as a Draisienne, or one of Reynolds' and Mays' rubber-tired Phantom, you will find countless hours of enjoyment whilst cycling. Goggles are highly recommended for eye protection, and the matter of skirt versus bloomer is still in heated debate.






Whatever your outdoor pursuit is, you will inevitably end the day in the parlor with ever more hours to fill. I will address this worrisome predicament in the next installment.

Gentle Readers, pray leave a comment as to what your favorite pastimes are.