The hottest Victorian Substack posts right now

Pablo Fanque, Britain's first Black circus proprietor, inspired The Beatles and amazed London crowds.
The lyrics in the Beatles song 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!' mention Pablo Fanque and his Fair.
Many people may not realize that Pablo Fanque, referenced in popular culture, was a real historical figure who made significant contributions.

Romantic poets like Wordsworth explored imperial themes in response to political events and societal changes.
Wilde's work reflected the Victorian era's pinnacle of British imperial power and the strain of sustaining it.
The shift from nature-based Romanticism to artificiality in literature symbolized the decline of humanity's connection to the natural world.

Dentistry in the Victorian era was often unregulated, leading to a mix of skilled practitioners and quacks offering dental services.
Some individuals operating as dentists had little to no formal training or expertise, leading to cases of poorly made dentures and unsatisfied customers.
Legal disputes over botched dental work were not uncommon, showcasing the challenges and risks of seeking dental care in that time period.

The past is filled with morbid medical-themed stories involving supernatural encounters, like a 7-foot-tall corpse standing upright in a dissecting room.
Even physicians, like an unnamed doctor in New York, have encountered eerie incidents, such as being led to a patient by a deceased child.
Victorian medical students' antics, like assembling and playing pranks with a bleached skeleton, sometimes crossed into the realm of the supernatural, leading to life-altering experiences.

Poor quality bread in Victorian England led to health risks and poor working conditions
John Dauglish revolutionized bread-making with a new method using carbonated water
The Aerated Bread Company's innovations not only improved bread quality but also provided women with social spaces

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In the 1890s, hospitals in London made efforts to bring Christmas cheer to patients with gifts, carol singing, festive decorations, and special meals.
Hospital staff, including medical students, actively participated in the celebrations, dressing up, performing shows, and organizing activities to lift spirits.
Charitable donations from local communities funded the Christmas celebrations in hospitals, highlighting the importance of bringing comfort and joy to those in need during the festive season.

Victorian country doctors embraced bicycles for efficient travel, especially after the introduction of the safety bicycle and pneumatic tires.
Doctors adopting bicycles needed to consider practical aspects like owning two bikes for emergencies, preventing theft, and choosing comfortable saddles.
Bicycles provided country doctors with not just a mode of transport, but also leisure and respite from their demanding careers.