The Home in 1905

In 2005 more than two thirds of British households own a house or flat. One hundred years ago only the wealthy could afford to buy a house. In 1905 as many as nine out of ten families rented their homes from a private landlord.

Heating

In 1905, most houses had a coal-burning fire in every downstairs room and even some upstairs ones. Hot water central heating and electric heaters were available but were quite rare. An open coal fire needed constant maintenance and daily cleaning, as it created a lot of dust and soot.

Bathtime

By the 1890s, a fitted toilet and bathroom were included in many new homes. Most houses at least had an outside toilet; only in the poorest streets families share one toilet. 

Power

Today, 24-hour access to electrical power is taken for granted. In 1905 most Wakefield homes relied on gas, coal and candles. It was only in the late 1920s that most homes had electricity.

In 1905 the Wakefield Gaslight Company was supplying gas to more homes than ever before. Newer houses and better off families had prepayment ‘penny in the slot’ gas meters which provided gas lighting and, for some, gas stoves for cooking. Newly built bedsits had a gas ring to cook food on. However most families still lit their homes with paraffin lamps or candles and most kitchens had a coal-fired range (Come and see the range at Wakefield Museum).

Food

In 1901 almost a quarter of the population were living in poverty, unable to afford the 3,500 calories a day necessary for a man in moderate work. Vast numbers of people were malnourished.  

Low income working families earning less than 18 shillings a week (90p), ate meat only two or three times a week. The family lived on a diet of bread, potatoes, tea and margarine. Most families however could afford a meat meal every day, but fresh fruit was often an expensive luxury.

For the wealthy, all the products of the British Empire were available for the dining table. Rich families could employ a cook, the wealthiest ones a French chef.

Look at more objects from The Home in 1905: