A brief survey tells us a lot about how travel was regarded in health terms.
Packing the Essentials: Preparing To Travel in the 18th Century
In the seventeenth century the numbers of travellers embarking on long journeys, and to other countries, was still relatively small.
In the seventeenth century the numbers of travellers embarking on long journeys, and to other countries, was still relatively small.
Are Beards Over? A Historical Perspective
It is important to recognise that facial hair fashions have always been cyclical.
It is important to recognise that facial hair fashions have always been cyclical.
Health and the Habitual Traveller in the 19th Century
Regular sea travellers were perhaps the best placed to enjoy them since going by sea was seen as the most beneficial.
Regular sea travellers were perhaps the best placed to enjoy them since going by sea was seen as the most beneficial.
Cuts, Rashes, and Chatter! The Pain of the 18th-Century Shave!
Here is plenty of evidence to suggest that the shave itself could be a far less than comfortable experience.
Here is plenty of evidence to suggest that the shave itself could be a far less than comfortable experience.
How Much?! Barbers and the Price of Shaving
In shops, costs also varied widely, from a penny to as much as a shilling, and even sometimes more.
In shops, costs also varied widely, from a penny to as much as a shilling, and even sometimes more.
Barbers and (the Lack of!) Polite Advertising
Over the past few years, I have spent much time looking at ‘polite’ advertising in the 18th century.
Over the past few years, I have spent much time looking at ‘polite’ advertising in the 18th century.
The ‘Celebrated Inventions’ of Alexander Ross
Alexander Ross the younger, for example, established his ‘ornamental hair warehouse’ in Bishopsgate in 1814, from where he sold products such as his Grecian volute head dress.
Alexander Ross the younger, for example, established his ‘ornamental hair warehouse’ in Bishopsgate in 1814, from where he sold products such as his Grecian volute head dress.
Finding Your Beard Style in the 19th Century
Once a man had decided on what style suited him, the next question was whether he had the wherewithal to grow it.
Once a man had decided on what style suited him, the next question was whether he had the wherewithal to grow it.
Beard Fashions and Class
Over the past few centuries, fashions in facial hair have changed substantially.
Over the past few centuries, fashions in facial hair have changed substantially.
To Dye for! Coloring the Beard in the 19th Century
Grey hair was an outward sign of the loss of bodily heat.
Grey hair was an outward sign of the loss of bodily heat.
Book Launch! Introducing ‘Concerning Beards’
Facial hair, health and practice in England 1650-1900.
Facial hair, health and practice in England 1650-1900.
‘Capital Deceptions’: Science and Magic in the 18th Century
In 1789, an advertisement appeared in newspapers across Britain for ‘Breslaw’s new-invented capital deceptions’.
In 1789, an advertisement appeared in newspapers across Britain for ‘Breslaw’s new-invented capital deceptions’.
‘Invalids Wanted’: Residential Care in the 19th Century
Medical gentleman ‘living in a pleasant and salubrious part of the town’ offered part of his house to any lady or gentleman desirous of a large seaside residence.
Medical gentleman ‘living in a pleasant and salubrious part of the town’ offered part of his house to any lady or gentleman desirous of a large seaside residence.
The Quirky World of Victorian Shaving Patents!
As a period of innovation and technology, the nineteenth century offers a perfect opportunity to explore the world of shaving patents.
As a period of innovation and technology, the nineteenth century offers a perfect opportunity to explore the world of shaving patents.
Travel and Quarantine in the 19th Century
The past is strewn with epidemics.
The past is strewn with epidemics.