A newly unearthed 19th century guidebook advises single ladies to ditch uncomfortable corsets
WE tend to assume the Victorians were strait-laced conformists who believed in tradition.
Now, researchers have unearthed a 19th century guidebook in which single ladies are urged to be cynical about marriage, forge a career – and ditch uncomfortable corsets.
“Advice to Single Women” written by Haydn Brown has been reprinted for the first time in 116 years and perhaps should be compulsory reading in secondary schools.
Corsets apart (although that’s always good advice!), it embodies everything many parents want their girls to achieve in life. Bridget Jones was obviously alive and well and living in England in the 19th century.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here