I think it was something in George Eliot’s Scenes of Clerical Life which first made us wonder how much a salary of £100 pa was worth in the middle of the C19th. Although various indices are available to allow one roughly to calculate the equivalent in today’s money, the way of life was so very different in so many ways that it seems more useful to look at what real things cost & what real people were paid.
The following is a not very systematic list of examples culled from a variety of sources, including the invaluable newspaper small ads, many of which come from editions published in 1867. Odd to remember that the front page of The Times carried nothing but small ads in those days – could they really have been the main attraction for readers? - & that that tradition continued until 1966.
Jobs & pay
Wm H Russell went to report the American Civil war for The Times on a salary of £1200 a year. He owed his wife’s doctor (complications of pregnancy) £500 & sublet his house for £210 pa. He also had a book advance of £750.
Governor Eyre of Jamaica earned £6000 pa.
A Maid of Honor [sic] to Queen Victoria was paid £400 a year in 1863.
As governess in a school - a lady, teaching English, French (acquired abroad), good music & drawing. Good references. Salary £30 to £35.
A German lady, teaching thoroughly German, French & music with English, singing, drawing, Italian & work, desires an immediate RE-ENGAGEMENT. Salary £100.
Governess (superior FINISHING) who has held good appointments in families of distinction, desires a RE-ENGAGEMENT to perfect advanced pupils in French, German, Italian, the higher branches of English, music & good singing. First class references & certificates. Salary £80.
Upper Nurse - WANTED. In a private family, a respectable young woman about 26 years of age as UPPER NURSE where the youngest child is nearly 2 years old. She must be a thorough needlewoman & be able to dress the children’s hair. Good personal character indispensable. Wages £20 all found. Apply this day between 10 & 6 o'clock.
SCHOLASTIC - WANTED MATHEMATICAL, classical & English MASTERS. SALARIES £50 to £200. Apply personally or by letter to Griffiths & Williams, educational agency. Interviews daily from 10 till 4.
Housing
Bayswater - Ladbroke Gardens near St Johns & St Peter’s churches. CORNER FAMILY RESIDENCE, high & dry, & overlooking beautiful pleasure gardens, to be LET, furnished or unfurnished. Six capital bedrooms, bathroom, 5 reception rooms, large hall & spacious light & dry basement with housekeepers room, butler’s pantry & accommodation for a first class family. Held, unfurnished, at the very low rent of £125 until March 1869, £135 afterwards
Transport & communication
1 January 1867 Complaints about cost of "telegraphic messages" to the USA. £10 for 20 words
12 August 1867 Postage from the United Kingdom to USA down from 1/- to 6d
American steamship ATLANTIC fares to New York: First Class £18 & £20; Second Class £12 & £14
Double-seated BROUGHAM and harness £65
