This is for the "titled" in England in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Gentleman
1) Always place the woman next to the wall when riding horseback or walking along the street.
2) When you meed a woman you know slightly while in the street or park, await her acknowledging bow, then tip your hat, using the hand farthest away from her. You may not speak unless she speaks first.
3) Meeting a lady you know well and wish to speak with she shows she would like to speak with you, turn and walk with her, to converse. Never make a lady stand in the street talking.
4) When ascending a flight of stairs preceded the lady, when descending, you follow the lady.
5) When riding in a carriage, the gentleman takes the seat facing backwards. If riding alone with a lady, do not sit next to her unless you are her husband, brother, father, or son. You alight first to offer a hand in helping the lady down. And take care to not step on her dress.
6) When escorting a lady to a public exhibition of concert, you go in first to find her a seat. If you are alone and there are ladies and gentlemen present, remove your hat.
7) A gentleman is always introduced to a lady, never the lady to the man. The presumption is, learning the woman's name is an honor. As well, a social inferior is always introduced to the superior person present.
8) Never smoke in the presence of a lady.
The Lady
1) She is never to be in the company of a man without a chaperone if under 30 and unmarried. There is the exception of a walk to church or a park in the early morning. When out walking for any reason other than to church or a park in early morning they should be accompanied by another lady, a man, or a servant.
2) The only time a lady may call on a gentleman alone is if she is consulting on a professional or business matter.
3) Pearls or diamond are not worn in the morning.
4) Never dance more than three dances with the same partner.
5) Never "cut" someone. This is failing to acknowledge their presence after encountering them socially. The acceptable "cut" is when a man is persistent in keep time with a lady who does not wish their advances.
Reference: What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool
3 comments:
Love this, Paty! I actually adore that book - What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Pool. It's been traveling around with me for many years and is a beloved resource. Thanks for a fun post. :)
Hey Christy! Your suggestions for websites has come in handy and helped me find some other resources.
Thanks for stopping in!
Ah-h, the good manners of yesteryear! Interesting post, Paty.
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