Life as a Governess in the Victorian Era | A Historical Overview

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Published 2020-06-01

The governess is a notable figure within Victorian literature, featuring in classics like Jane Eyre and Vanity Fair. But what was it truly like to be a governess during the 19th century?

0:00 Introduction
0:50 Who became a governess?
1:47 Who employed a governess?
2:52 What were the qualifications of a governess?
3:37 What were the responsibilities of a governess?
4:23 How were governesses viewed by society?

Sources:
www.bbc.co.uk
www.bl.uk
The Victorian Governess by Kathryn Hughes

Music:
Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27, No. 2
Frédéric Chopin

All Comments (21)

@JadeJoddle 2 years ago

What an excellent video. It's very helpful to understand the context of Jane Eyre.
@stevecooper2541 2 years ago

A very good video, thankyou. 'The Victorian Governess' by Kathryn Hughes is well worth reading, she explores the social tensions and practicalities of middle class women who had to work but wanted to maintain their social status. It also describes the various charities which worked to help them, as many faced destitution in later life.
@lovingLANA20 4 years ago

Thanks so much for making this! Love the outro (Mr. Rochester🤭)
@kelseychristine9998 4 years ago

This is such a great video, I can’t wait for more like this! 😊
@curiousworld7912 4 years ago

Very nice. :) I'd love to see this topic expanded upon.
@stargirl7646 4 years ago

This is very well-made! (Weirdly, I’m seeing some comparisons between this and my current job of being a native English teacher in an overseas school haha)
@sunnydayzie1202 1 year ago

I always felt it so cruel that Rochester made Jane stand there and endure Blanche's direct insults. :(
@juliamrodas 3 years ago

Thanks so much for making this; an especially valuable resource for those of us thrown suddenly into distance learning mode!
@ThePinkBookworm 4 years ago

Lovely video! I love learning about the daily life of people throughout history, so this specific look at a governess was fascinating.
@annmenzzasalma6151 3 years ago

I've come to the conclusion it was lousy being alive in the Victorian era.
@desireepetitdemurat8660 4 years ago

I would like to know more about their working schedule, about their day to day life.
@superdani152003 3 years ago

your channel is fantastic!!thank you so much for sharing with us ❤
@snowprincess6430 4 years ago

This is such an interesting video! Thanks. Can you do one for Sherlock Holmes?🕵️‍♂️
@unaanguila 4 years ago

Thanks for sharing.
@patriciapalmer1377 3 years ago

Sophie Marceau and Stephen Dillane in the movie "Firelight" is a must see about about a governess. Equal to films about Jane Eyre, and you will love it, you have my word. P
@florian8456 3 years ago

Super video j’ai adorer 👍🏼
@conniediaz6456 2 years ago

Excellent video! Can you please give more information as to the names of textbooks or manuals used by governesses to educate their pupils?
@conniediaz6456 2 years ago

I would love to own all these beautiful paintings of governesses teaching the children. Is there any way you can reference them so I can purchase copies? Thank you!
@EowynLis 4 years ago

Just wondering if governess comes from not upper class but middle. Where did they get all the knowledge to teach ?
@saptarshymajumder9156 4 years ago

What is the piano piece playing in the background? Its beautiful