Parlour/Party Games in Victorian England

This post was kindly contributed by cast member Megan Duncan.

Victorian Parlour Games

In the 19th century, people had more leisure time than in previous generations. Parlour games became popular amongst the upper and middle class. These games were played in parlours with small groups and appropriately named "Parlour games." Games involved mostly logic or word-play and were created to amuse gentleman and ladies at small parties. They were especially played during Christmas and advertisements were made. The tradition became just as popular as the Mass Media of the time. Games usually have no set time allotment and end when players are ready to move on. Most games are competitive but don't have a cumulative score. Some games still exist today such as Charades and others have been modified and turned into board games such as Balderdash. Some popular games of the time include:
—The Laughing Game
—Animals
—The Ministers Cat

You can find more games and read the rules on this site: http://www.funjoint.com/parlour.htm