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

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