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The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria who ruled from 1837 to 1901, was a time of great change and prosperity in England. It was a period of industrialization and technological advancements, which led to the rise of a wealthy middle class. However, alongside this new wealth came a class of titled aristocrats who held immense power and influence.
The Victorian period saw the emergence of the “nouveau riche,” or those who had newly acquired wealth through business and industry. These self-made men were eager to display their wealth and status, often through lavish mansions and elaborate parties.
However, they could never fully escape the rigid class system that had long been established in England. At the top of this hierarchy were the titled aristocracy, who held immense power and influence through their inherited wealth and social connections.
The titled aristocracy in Victorian England were often part of long-established family clans, with names like the Rothschilds, Windsor, Mountbatten, the Cadogans, and the Gettys. These families held immense wealth and power, often through inherited titles such as duke, earl, or baron.
In addition to their inherited wealth, these families often used their social connections and influence to further their business and political aspirations. They were fixtures in high society, attending lavish balls and events, and setting the standards for fashion and etiquette.
However, the Victorian era also saw the rise of the “nouveau riche,” or those who had newly acquired wealth through business and industry. These self-made men were eager to break into the exclusive world of the titled aristocracy, often through extravagant displays of wealth.
Despite the efforts of the nouveau riche, the titled aristocracy remained a symbol of the old guard, holding onto their power and influence through the Victorian era and beyond. The clans of the titled aristocracy, with their long histories and inherited wealth, remained a formidable force in English society.
Data sourced by GDT and Tim Taylor
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