Picture this: it’s the year 1900, and you’ve been transported back in time to live a day in the life of someone from the turn of the century. It’s a world full of horse-drawn carriages, smoky factories, and gas lamps lighting the way at night. The Internet? Not even a twinkle in the eyes of the future. So, how would you fare in this fast-paced (and by modern standards, rather inconvenient) world? Would you survive, or would you be longing for the comforts of Wi-Fi and modern medicine before the day is done?
In this article, we’ll break down a typical day in 1900 minute by minute, and we’ll see if you have what it takes to survive without modern technology, 24/7 fast food, or a nice warm shower at your convenience.
6:00 AM – Rise and Shine (Kind Of)
In 1900, a day typically began early. Alarm clocks were mechanical, often with bells that could wake up an entire street if they were set too loud. The working class had to rise even earlier to start their long shifts in the factory or at the dock, while those in more privileged positions had the luxury of sleeping in a little longer.
- What You’ll Face: Your bedroom will likely have a large metal bedframe with a thin mattress. No heating or air-conditioning here—so, unless it’s summer, you’ll be waking up in a chilly room. A coal fire might be keeping your living room warm, but you’ll need to stoke it yourself before starting your day.
6:30 AM – Breakfast… Not What You’d Expect
Breakfast in 1900 wasn’t the smoothie bowls or avocado toast we’re used to today. For the working class, it was often a simple meal: bread and butter, maybe some porridge, and tea. The wealthier might have a larger spread, including eggs, sausages, and cooked meats. A cup of coffee was a luxury for the rich, while many would drink weak tea as their morning pick-me-up.
- What You’ll Face: Your kitchen will be basic, with a coal stove for cooking. If you’re wealthy, you might have a butler or servant helping you with the morning chores. If you’re part of the working class, you’ll likely be preparing the meal yourself in a modest home.
7:00 AM – No Time to Lose, Off to Work!
By now, it’s time for work. Horse-drawn carriages are the main mode of transport, and if you’re in a city, you might take the tram or bus. A quick glance at your watch—if you own one—shows the time, and you realize you’re lucky not to have missed your train to the factory, since it’s likely to be overcrowded and potentially late.
- What You’ll Face: The streets will be noisy with the sounds of horses’ hooves, street vendors selling their wares, and the occasional street urchin dodging between carriages. You may need to brave crowded trams, and you’ll likely see smoggy skies from all the coal burning in factories.
9:00 AM – The Working Hours Begin
Your day of work starts, and whether you’re in an office, a factory, or a field, work in 1900 was hard. Factories were noisy, dirty, and dangerous. Women and children often worked long hours in factories for low wages. In offices, typing pools were common, and workers often had to perform repetitive tasks.
- What You’ll Face: If you’re in a factory, you might be working on a production line that produces everything from textiles to machinery parts. It’s loud, hot, and exhausting. If you’re in an office, your desk is probably an old-fashioned one made of dark wood, and your main form of communication is pen and paper.
12:00 PM – Lunchtime (But Don’t Expect Fast Food)
Lunchtime in 1900 was basic, especially for those working in the industrial sectors. If you were lucky, you had a bread roll or a portion of leftovers to eat. In wealthier homes, lunch could be a much larger affair, sometimes involving several courses and the chance to have guests over.
- What You’ll Face: You won’t be walking into a shiny subway or grabbing something from the fridge. You might have to bring your lunch from home or enjoy whatever was available at the local market.
1:00 PM – Back to Work, But First, The Walk
After lunch, it’s back to work. For the working class, this was a time when a long walk back to the factory or office was often required. You might be tired, but the workday is long—there’s no such thing as short hours in 1900.
- What You’ll Face: The commute back to work could be frustrating. Crowds will likely gather, and there will be a pall of smoke over the city as factories work at full tilt. There’s no such thing as a luxury commute—just another long journey to endure.
5:00 PM – Finally, Time to Go Home
After a long day at work, you’ve made it! You’re heading home, perhaps weary, but satisfied. The streets are still lively, as the working day extends into the evening with street markets and food stalls.
- What You’ll Face: Your house will be modest, especially if you’re in the working class. You might have a coal fire to keep warm, and your furniture will be basic but functional. There will likely be no running hot water, so you’ll have to heat water on the stove if you need a wash. Electric lights are a luxury for some, but gas lamps are more common.
7:00 PM – Dinner Time
Dinner will be hearty but simple. If you’re in a wealthier family, you might enjoy meat, potatoes, and vegetables. For the working class, bread, soup, and perhaps a small portion of meat are on the menu.
- What You’ll Face: If you’re working class, your evening meal will be plain. Gas lighting may illuminate your dinner table, but there are no fancy electrical gadgets. The meal is nourishing but straightforward.
9:00 PM – Leisure Time?
In 1900, leisure time was rare, especially for the working class. However, for those who had a bit of extra cash or time, there were public parks, theatre performances, or even the occasional music hall. For others, family time or reading in the evening might be the most enjoyable way to relax.
- What You’ll Face: If you’re in the working class, your evening might consist of quiet time at home with your family or a simple walk around the neighborhood. Wealthier individuals might enjoy a night at the theatre or a fine dining experience.
11:00 PM – Time for Bed
It’s been a long day, and it’s finally time to sleep. The streets are quieter now, with only the occasional sound of a horse-drawn carriage or distant chatter from the local pub.
- What You’ll Face: Your bed may be basic but comfortable enough for sleep. If you’re in a working-class household, you’ll likely share a bed or sleep in a modest room with minimal decoration.
Modern Day Survival Tips
- What Will You Miss? If you’re used to modern comforts like hot showers, smartphones, or the ability to order food with a few taps, you’ll quickly find that 1900 life is more about hard work and patience.
- What Will You Appreciate? If you’re into hard work, a simpler lifestyle, and more time spent with family or on your own thoughts, the slower pace of life in 1900 might actually be more enjoyable than you expect.
What to Know More?
For further reading on life in 1900 and the challenges of the time, check out these resources:
- Life in the Victorian Age by Michael Paterson
- The Edwardian House: The Life and Times of a Forgotten Era by Pamela Horn
- The Industrial Revolution and Its Impact on Everyday Life by Patrick Joyce
- A History of Everyday Things in England by Marjorie and C.H. B. Quennell
