Today people use computers, play video games, listen to music, and watch TV. But back in the 1800s/early 1900s, they did not have TVs, iPods, video games, or computers. So back then, they would play sports, read a book, or pay for plays or concerts. The Victorian Era was a huge influence on modern day times; more specifically they had an everlasting impact on entertainment. Most people can amuse themselves, however everyone would rather be entertained than have to entertain themselves. In Victorian Britain, the people who could afford to pay for entertainment got to a point where they supported hundreds of professional entertainers. Of course, many still liked to entertain themselves with hobbies, acquired skills, and group activities; self-improvement was often a factor here. The Victorian Era was big on sports, theater, and music. .
One thing that has carried through the centuries is athletics. Although the types of athletic activities have changed somewhat, a few have stayed alive and are performed today. In the Victorian Era in England, people played two kinds of sports: recreational sports and competitive sports. Recreational sports included games like croquet and cycling. Competitive sports would be like football and lawn tennis. Croquet was introduced in England in 1856, croquet is still played today at parties, events, etc. "It was considered suitable for women since it required considerable skills, but not too much strength or technique (Victorians believed women were deficient in both)." Although croquet was never a popular men's game, it had both social and economic advantages: men and women could play together, and it required little equipment and no special clothing. Cycling also became very popular. "The bicycle was brought out in 1817 and was the cheapest way to travel." People who lived in town would ride out into the countryside on their bicycles. Kids would often race to see who was the fastest and adults would ride around and have fun.
