Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Simpler, yes, but the era had many new traditions that did not exist only a generation
earlier. In the first part of the 1800s, Christmas was barely celebrated at all in Britain and
no one had heard of Santa Claus. But by the 1880s, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had
introduced Christmas customs still in vogue today.
After a royal portrait showed the Queen and her family celebrating around a Christmas
tree at Windsor Castle, Britons began copying the practice of bringing a tree inside the
house and decorating it with candles, sweets and small gifts. Victoria and Albert also
helped foster the practice of Christmas as a family affair—decorating, giving gifts, play-
ing parlor games, and eating together in celebration.
Christmas feasting can also be traced back to Victorian times when sweet pies, roasted
turkey or game birds became holiday customs. And Christmas cards, often illustrated with
pictures of plum pudding or church bells, were a popular Victorian creation.
A visit to Audley End for
Victorian Christmas Days
requires advance booking, but its
worthwhile for an opportunity to roam through the beautifully decorated rooms and
grounds. As costumed characters prepare for the holidays, catch a glimpse of the resident
family as the staff puts final touches in place. Visitors are entertained by Victorian
storytelling and carolers while admiring the beautiful Christmas tree, the centerpiece of
the bedecked house.
Below stairs, staff in the authentic Victorian service wing of the house can be seen hard at
work readying a Christmas feast for the Braybrooke family. Experience the sights, sounds
and smells of preparing a traditional 1880s menu, brimming with game dishes and mince
pies.
In the stables, children can visit a very Victorian Father Christmas and possibly meet his
reindeer while a snow machine guarantees a winter wonderland.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search