As the new century dawned on 1 January 1700, few people in the British Isles could have felt optimistic about their prospect. Their state was barely held together in a ramshackle union, under a Crown by a disputed inheritance. They spoke four different languages, and were deeply divided in matters of religion. Finally whilst some parts of the kingdom were prosperous from foreign trade, others were sunk in poverty, and even liable to famine.
The 18th century laid the foundations for Britain's worldwide empire and economic prosperity. It was a period of great contrasts between poverty and wealth, elegance and riotous ribaldry. Life in Georgian Britain, whether in stately homes of in towns, in gambling room, coffee houses or assembly rooms, was never dull.
When the century ended in 1800, although Britain was still at war with France, she was a world power, imperially rich, masterfully confident, proud of her liberties and enviably united.
This guide gives a brief overview of the social history of the time, and life as it was in the Georgian period in Britain.
Contents:
An Age of Reason
In Safe Hands
Patronage and Principle
An Economic Explosion
Enterprise and Empire
Defining the Nation
A Cosmopolitan Aristocracy
An Architecture of Assertion
Civilising Nature
The Growth of Towns
Socialising
High Life and Low Life
Splendour and Sophistication
Crowning Glories
