Podcast Summary: Dan Snow's History Hit – Episode: Georgian Christmas

Introduction In the episode titled "Georgian Christmas," host Dan Snow delves into the rich and tumultuous history of Christmas celebrations during the Georgian era in London. Accompanied by Rob Smith from the Footprints of London Tour Company, Snow navigates the streets of Islington to uncover how Christmas was celebrated amidst the rapid urbanization and social stratification of 18th and early 19th-century London.

Islington and Georgian London Dan Snow begins his journey in Islington, a district experiencing explosive growth as London burgeons into the world's largest and wealthiest city. He paints a vivid picture of the area, juxtaposing the uniform terraced houses with remnants of slum dwellings and open fields where cows once grazed before being taken to Smithfield Market.

"The Georgian period is one of the... it's pretty easy one to define. It begins with the arrival of King George in 1714... and ends in 1828 with the death of George IV." (04:02)

Christmas in Georgian London Christmas during the Georgian era was markedly different from the modern, family-centric celebrations. Instead of being confined to the home, it was a public affair characterized by street festivities, entertainment, and a certain level of debauchery. Rob Smith emphasizes that this period’s Christmas lacked the wholesome family image perpetuated by Victorian ideals.

"Christmas in Georgian London... it's more of a public affair." (33:41)

Social Stratification and Public Celebrations As London grew, so did the disparity in wealth distribution. The northern parts of Islington, particularly Clerkenwell, were working-class areas bustling with watchmakers, furniture makers, and apprentices. Pleasure gardens like White Conduit Fields became popular spots for city dwellers to escape the crowded streets and enjoy leisure time.

"Pleasure gardens where people would come out of London... come out for the day and enjoyed themselves." (04:07)

Entertainment and Public Festivities The Georgian Christmas was replete with public entertainment ranging from highbrow performances in small opera houses to lowbrow street theatre. One notable event discussed is the bare-knuckle boxing match on Boxing Day 1788, which drew over a thousand spectators.

"Yesterday morning was fought in the cricket fields near the White Conduit House, a battle for five guineas a side... not less than 1,000 people were present." (08:33)

Lord's Cricket Club and Public Spaces The episode touches upon the origins of Lord's Cricket Club, initially located on Pentonville Road—the world's first bypass—before relocating to Marylebone due to conflicts between cricketers and picnickers.

"So the Lord's Cricket Club was originally famous in the world. Was actually not their first choice." (11:03)

Monopoly and the Angel Inn An intriguing anecdote reveals how the Angel Inn in Islington became the first property on the British Monopoly board. During the development of the game, designers sought familiar London streets but struggled to find suitable names. After a visit to the Angel Inn, they decided to feature it as a unique square on the board.

"So they've sent Victor Watson down to London... 'So we agree the last square on the board will be the Angel Islington.'" (12:44)

Political Tensions and the Jacobite Threat The episode delves into the political climate of the time, particularly the fear of a Jacobite invasion in 1745. Newspapers propagated xenophobic and bigoted views, fueling public panic. A fascinating connection is made between traditional Christmas carols and political agitation, suggesting that "O Come All Ye Faithful" might have been used as a rallying cry for the Jacobites.

"Come All Ye Faithful was an old Catholic tune... might have been a tune which threatened London." (15:33)

Transformation of Public Spaces As London expanded, fields like Butcher's Mantles transitioned from livestock holding areas to residential squares. Middleton Square is highlighted as an example of late Georgian urban development, catering to the upper-middle class with communal green spaces and private gardens.

"Squares like Middleton Square were built on fields called Butcher's Mantles... there’s far more money to be made renting out their land for housing." (16:03)

Thomas Dibdin and the Evolution of Pantomime The episode introduces Thomas Dibdin, a key figure in Georgian theatre and pantomime. Dibdin's contributions transformed pantomime into a year-round entertainment form, moving beyond the February Christmas season.

"He was a pantomime writer... Mother Goose... amazing set changes and costume changes." (20:45)

Joey Grimaldi and Theatrical Innovations Joey Grimaldi, often considered the first modern clown, is celebrated for his theatrical innovations, including face painting and elaborate stunts. His legacy is cemented in Exmouth Market, where his former residence is marked with a plaque.

"Joey Grimaldi is often credited as being the first modern-day clown... he was a great artist for changing costumes and doing acrobatics." (29:37)

Political Unrest and the Sparfields Demonstration Rob Smith recounts the Sparfields demonstration of December 1816, an attempt to ignite a revolution akin to the French Revolution. Led by activists Thistlewood and Preston, the demonstration showcased the economic hardships and political repression faced by Londoners. Although the protest ended in failure, it highlighted the era's social tensions.

"They attack a gun shop on Snow Hill and steal some guns... the authorities had put an agent provocateur into the group, a man by the name of Castle." (23:36)

Victorian Reinvention of Christmas Concluding the episode, Dan Snow contrasts the raucous Georgian Christmas with the more subdued, family-oriented Victorian Christmas popularized by Charles Dickens. He notes how Victorian traditions like Christmas trees, cards, and crackers reshaped the holiday into a time for charity and family gatherings.

"Victorian London was a harsh place... The runaway success of the story transformed attitudes towards the holiday as a time for charity and kindness." (39:17)

Conclusion Dan Snow wraps up by reflecting on how Christmas traditions have evolved over time, emphasizing that what many consider "traditional" today is a Victorian invention. The Georgian Christmas, with its public festivities and social complexities, offers a stark contrast to the modern celebrations centered around family and domesticity.

"Christmas has been lots of things over the time... Victorians did really try and take ownership of Christmas." (34:49)

Looking Ahead Snow teases the next episode in his "Origins of Christmas" series, which will explore Victorian Christmas traditions and locations that inspired Dickens's "A Christmas Carol."

"Join me next Wednesday on Christmas Day as it happens... exploring the streets that inspired Dickens festive works." (39:09)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. "Christmas in Georgian London... it's more of a public affair." – Rob Smith (33:41)
2. "So we've walked along round the square... What we're at number seven." – Dan Snow (20:42)
3. "Christmas was rowdy. Christmas is on the streets." – Dan Snow (38:52)

Key Takeaways

• Georgian Christmas was a public, festive occasion marked by entertainment and social gatherings, differing significantly from the family-centric Victorian Christmas.
• The rapid growth of London during the Georgian era led to significant social and economic changes, influencing how holidays like Christmas were celebrated.
• Political unrest and social stratification played crucial roles in shaping public sentiments and festivities during the Georgian period.
• Victorian efforts to redefine Christmas have had a lasting impact on contemporary celebrations, often overshadowing the more vibrant and communal traditions of the Georgian era.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the complexities and transformations of Christmas celebrations in Georgian London, shedding light on how historical contexts shape cultural traditions.