The 19th Century
Victorian Serpent (wind instrument), Social History collection.
Find out how the Victorians made their mark on St Albans, changing it from a coaching town to a railway town. Displays mark the rhythm of a late Victorian week.
Monday was washday, with its mangles, steam and coppers. Tuesday was court day, in the fine neoclassical Town Hall. On Wednesday, many clubs and societies met, from cyclists to musicians. Thursday was parade day for the Volunteer Corps. On Friday the town council met. Saturday was market day, as it is today, whilst Sunday was mostly spent at home, church or chapel.
Keep a look out for all sorts of wonderful Victorian objects, from this musical serpent to medical instruments, from a flamboyant toilet to cold iron shackles for prisoners and a huge man-trap.
