Setting a story in the Victorian Era (1837-1901) is always great fun because SO much was going on in England and the world during that time. Change was everywhere from inventions (railroads, the telegraph, sewing machines, the telephone, phonographs and gramophones, the electric light bulb, automobiles) to educational opportunities for all (free public libraries, compulsory education for children up to the age of twelve, colleges that accepted women–though these were still quite limited). In many ways this was an age of extremes with an aristocracy that enjoyed ridiculous wealth to a (considerably larger) class of those living in extreme poverty. But much of the world was on the cusp of change, and it was largely educational opportunities that would bring that about.
I wanted to write a story about that change—not a rags to riches fairytale, but the story of a young woman who, though she did have a benefactress, worked her way up from the slums of Liverpool (could just as easily have been the slums of London) to being able to support herself because she had the opportunity for an education.
Once I had the basic outline for the story it wasn’t too difficult to choose where Esther would attend school. I needed her to be able to visit Hyde Park and, given her distrust of men, it seemed logical that she would attend a women’s college. The Bedford College for Women in London was perfect.
At the time Esther would have attended, it was located at Bedford Square, in the building pictured above. Since popping over to London was impossible last year, I had to rely on the internet for details about the college. Fortunately there are many fantastic photographs online that show Bedford’s interior, including its study rooms, library, and science labs. I even found one that showed an all female cast, in costume, acting out a Greek play. Delightful! It was with these pictures in front of me that I wrote the scenes that took place at the school. I am so grateful for the internet!
As I read about Bedford’s origins, I came across its remarkable founder, Elizabeth Jesser Reid, and I knew she needed to make an appearance in the story. Though we don’t see a lot of her, she does become very important to Esther and her future. Writing a short scene or two with Mrs. Reid was my way or saying thanks for all she did to further women’s educational opportunities. And though she looks stern in this picture (who didn’t, back then?), I imagined that she had a sense of humor and was actually quite in touch with the young women attending Bedford.
Constructing Esther’s class schedule didn’t prove too difficult either, and when I found these course offerings, they closely matched what I had already come up with. Note the lack of female names in that list of instructors. Though some women were finally being allowed an education, and though it was a woman who started Bedford, females had a long way to go to achieve equal opportunities.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the past. And I hope you enjoy all of the stories in A Gentlewoman Scholar. Happy reading!