KNUTSFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY by Mary Lipyeat

Graham Stirrup spoke at March’s meeting of the Knutsford Historical Society on the subject of Victorian times, how our ancestors lived and faced dangers.

‘Queen Victoria managed to stay very fit and apart from her extensive breeding didn’t really need doctors. With her large brood she managed to infiltrate most of the royal families in Europe, unfortunately one of her grandsons was the Kaiser.

Life expectancy for the wealthy in general was better than for the masses. Victoria’s empire included India, annexed by her government to grow opium poppies that were sold to the Chinese. This resulted in two opium wars. The Empire gained Hong Kong and continued opium production which was hard on the Indian natives.

At home industry was booming. The Great Exhibition displayed achievements in science and engineering manufacture bringing in wealth. Unfortunately this prosperity didn’t filter down to the masses, who remained in dire circumstances. If you didn’t have a job then you died of starvation or went in the workhouse, a fate worse than death.’

Graham’s humour and Power Point handling was greatly enjoyed and further subjects from him are much anticipated.

Our next meeting is April 16 including an AGM at 7.30pm and speaker David Young will talk about Anglo Saxon Churches at 8pm. Come early for refreshments, rear entrance, Methodist Church. Next outing will be Wednesday, May 13 to visit Toad Hall and the Medicine House, home of the author Alan Garner.