Were the Edwardians like us?

Waitresses serve afternoon tea in Wood's Restaurant, Berwick-upon-Tweed, in 1902.

Teaching idea

The Edwardian period covers the years after the death of Queen Victoria (1901) and up to the start of the First World War (1914). It is called ‘Edwardian’ because for much of the period the country was ruled by King Edward VII (1901-1910). Use the PowerPoint (above) to look at a selection of photographs of Edwardian life. They are divided into Work, Leisure, Transport and Childhood. Pupils can then fill in the charts provided, either on your whiteboard or on the worksheet (above). This will help them use the photographs as evidence to compare Edwardian life with life today. After looking at all the photographs they could pick one to use for a 'Then & Now' presentation. They would draw (or photograph) what the same activity would look like today and say how it has or hasn't changed since Edwardian times.

Learning aims and outcomes

  • Describe and begin to explain different interpretations and representations
  • Make informed judgements about the validity of information
  • Identify source material that can be used to answer specific questions

Prior knowledge

  • An understanding of when the Edwardian period (1901-1914) was would be helpful

Extended learning and useful links