Customs and Traditions

Victorian illustration to download showing a village choir singing Christmas carols in the squire’s house. The squire and his wife listen intently.

Victorian illustration to download showing an Irish tradition, the breaking of the cake cooked on New Year’s Eve. A boy throws the cake against the door. Family and friends gather…

Victorian illustration to download showing an Irish tradition, the baking of a cake on New Year’s Eve. The cake cooks on a griddle in the fireplace of a cottage. Family…

Victorian illustration to download showing an 18th-century scene: dancers at a Christmas ball pause under the mistletoe.

Victorian illustration to download showing a country family gathering holly and a Christmas tree and loading them on a donkey cart.

Victorian illustration to download showing a man standing at the Bar of the House of Commons, accompanied by the Sergeant-at-Arms with his mace over his shoulder.

Victorian illustration to download showing a baker’s boy delivering hot cross buns for Good Friday to a family standing outside their front door.

Victorian illustration to download showing a Devonshire Twelfth Night custom: men fire guns at cider apple trees to ensure a good crop of apples.

Victorian illustration showing children at a children's party grouped round a Christmas tree lit with candles. Parents and adults look on.