Coal

We (or at least I do) take gas and electricity for granted. The average Victorian household burned a ton of coal every six weeks. It had to carried around the house (and up the stairs) and the dirt and ash generated was enormous. Until the 1890's, coal was used in the kitchens (about then gas became common) for cooking and heating and it was only in the 1880's that 'close' ranges were introduced. The chimney had to be swept every six weeks, although the cook partially swept it probably several times a week to prevent soot falling in the food. Calling out the local fire brigade could cost the heavy sum of £5.

Running water would be confined to the Scullery and even then might only be available for a few hours each day. Before gas lighting, oil and paraffin lamps were very dirty and needed to be filled and maintained.

Before modern detergents it could take a day to clean one room thoroughly. Laundry work took up 3 - 4 days every fortnight.

Leisure time for a wife at least was at a premium and religion could play a large part, with many Methodists for example expected to attend chapel twice a day on a Sunday and at least one class during the week. This was often impossible in a larger family (many women were pregnant on average every 18 months and 8 - 10 children were not uncommon with 2 - 3 probably dead in their early years) were most women (unless they could afford a nurse) were almost continually nursing a baby or sick child.

Although rather hidden, evidence is slowly emerging that many women of the time were often ill or depressed for much of their lives, with only minimal treatments available, often remarking in their letters how busy and tired they were all the time.