How Very Victorian

Behind The Scenes

What-Ho Folks! My new Victorian kit got its first outing this week for tales of the Sussex farisees at The Weald & Downland Living Museum, so I thought I’d share some photos with you.

This three piece outfit comprises of an underskirt, bustle skirt and bustle jacket. It would most likely have been worn during the end of the mid to late Victorian period when they were starting to phase out waist trainer corsets, crinolines and hoops in favour of high collars, long leg of mutton sleeves and less exaggerated bustles.

This would also most likely have been worn in a town setting rather than the rural and by someone who was middle class. My theory is, I was on my way to Chichester when the horse pulling my carriage (a Phaeton, of course), went lame and so we had to stop in Singleton where I occupied myself by telling stories until the horse could be re-shod, or a new carriage was acquired.

I had a great week at Weald & Downland Living Museum telling tales. Thanks to everyone who came to listen as I know for many of you, you visited especially to hear more of my stories as you'd seen me on previous occasions and that makes my heart sing.

The last photo, is me and my freelance colleague Adrian who you may know as the guy with the Hornby Train set, the Knucker Dragon Puppet Theatre and the Table Top Jousting. What a guy!

We’ll both be at Weald and Downland in the Summer with a variety of stories and activities for families and you can find more information by clicking on the link below.