Since we’re having and Edwardian Ball in two weeks, maybe someone would like to know when and what exactly the Edwardian era was. Here are the basics:

When was the Edwardian Era?

Somehow Americans, not having a monarchy of their own, often use the British Monarchy to mark history. The Edwardian era is named after King Edward, Queen Victoria’s son, who reigned from 1901-1910. People often generalize and say the Edwardian era lasted until World War One began in 1914. So when someone says “The Edwardian Era” you can usually assume they’re speaking of the years from 1900-1914.

What happened during the Edwardian Era? English Country Dance came back into style, the Titanic sank, and World War One began.

Cecil Sharp’s publications of folk dance and music in the early twentieth century brought folk dancing back into everyday life. On April 15th, 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on route to America and sank. The deaths of over 1500 passengers made this tragedy a marking point in history. The beginning of the Great War in July of 1914 was the start of a horrific conflict that would affect the whole world.

The 100th Anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking and the approaching anniversary of the Great War, along with the recent drama “Downton Abbey” have all increased interest in the history of the Edwardian era. Other films about the era include Anne of Green Gables, Sarah Plain and Tall, and Miss Potter. Want to see clothes from the era? Check out my Pinterest board!