The Victorian era was also an era of discovering history. The 19th century was a period of remarkable archaeological discoveries, both "at home" and abroad. Local archaeological societies and groups sprang up throughout Britain, with meetings where local (often amateur) archaeologists would share their latest discoveries - which were recorded in both in small magazines and larger publications like Gentleman's Magazine.

Another area in which magazines explored history was through articles on folklore. To educated Victorians living in town, folklore and country traditions seemed quaint and curious - yet at the time, these traditions were often still very much alive in the countryside. Hence folklore offered a sort of "living history" in the Victorian world, a place where the past met the present.

This section, therefore, isn't really about "life in Victorian times," but about an aspect of life that was very important to Victorians and part of their culture. The Victorians were keenly aware of being shaped by their history and also of being a part of history - and so history is a part of the Victorian era.

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