The Victorian Era is one historical period that I’ve always loved. It was the golden age of the British Empire, where it was the undisputed major power. The Royal Navy helped it to dominate world trade and it never fought a European war against another major power for 99 years, from the end of the Napoleonic Wars to the First World War.
In a theme that seems to have me going backwards in time with each series, my next series will chart the entire Victorian period.
From the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign to the eve of the First World War, I chart Britain’s golden age through the eyes of three main characters.
Edward Urwin – The Rising Poor
When you were born into a class, you generally stayed there. An extreme minority did manage to escape poverty and rise up through society, though. When Edward Urwin wins a scholarship to St. John’s Boarding School, he joins this exclusive club.
Here he meets the great and the good of British society. Introduced to an entirely new way of living, he must cope with the demands and expectations of those who have the power to strike him down as quickly as they rose him up.
Theodore Norlong – Son of the Aristocracy
Born into one of the great families of the British Empire, you do as you’re told…or else, at least that’s what Theodore’s father Lord Norlong would say. Determined to avoid the life of idleness and search for some purpose in life, Theodore has no intention of living the life his father has set out for him.
When he meets Edward, that opportunity presents itself…
Gertrude Ebonson – A Woman in a Man’s World
Women in the Victorian period had little say in their lives, and even less say when they came from a family with means. The Ebonson family is a family on the rise. Led by Sir Arnold Ebonson, his son Hugo schemes and connives to increase his lot in life.
For Gertrude, she is but one of his tools. Set up to marry into one of Britain’s great families, Hugo soon discovers Gertrude isn’t the weak-willed flower he thought.
Each character goes through peaks and troughs throughout the course of their lives. Their families rise and fall and rise again. Start the first book ‘Changing of the Guard’ today.
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Until next time…
James Farner