Figure 1.--This photograph was taken in Scarlborough or nearby coastal village about the turn of the century. The children are clearly from a working class family. After World War I it became increasingly difficult to identify children by the clothes they wore.

Througout fashion history there has been notable differences between the clothing of different social classes. This continued to be the case in Edwardian England. This was, however, the last decade in which this was so obviously the case. World War I set in motion social and political forces that addressed the inequities in European society. After World War I it became increasingly difficult to identify children by the clothes they wore. During the Edwardian era the differences were still quite apparent. Working class children in Britain still commonly went barefoot during the early 20th century. After the War this was much less common. There were many other differences, but this was the most obvious difference.

Created: November 19, 2003
Last updated: November 19, 2003