Georgian, Regency, and Victorian England conjure images of  unparalleled sumptuous by-gone eras. Through such romantic lens, it is easy to forget the every day, un-elegance of living in the horse and carriage days, when cleanliness was not so easy to maintain as it is in modern Western living.

Before automobiles, asphalt, and street sweepers, trodding the streets and roadways got one dirty—especially one’s shoes. To protect a home from the mud and other undesirable matter found on streets, those who lived in those days used a book scraper. Next to the front door, this study piece of metal provided a way to clean off the soles of boots and shoes before entering a dwelling.

A subtle reminder of that practice years ago, the book scraper still maintains its place in the historic buildings all over England. I find it charming, and a bit humorous, that such a humble artifact still exists next to even the grandest entrances, reminding one to wipe one’s shoes before entering.

Author of Historical Romance and Fantasy, award-winning author Donna Hatch is a sought-after speaker and workshop presenter. Her writing awards include the Golden Rose and the prestigious Golden Quill. Her passion for writing began at age 8 she wrote her first short story, and she wrote her first full-length novel during her sophomore year in high school, a fantasy which was later published. In between caring for six children, (7 counting her husband), her day job, her work as a freelance editor and copywriter, and her many volunteer positions, she still makes time to write. After all, writing IS an obsession. All of her heroes are patterned after her husband of over 20 years, who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.

One Thought on “Regency London Living, the boot scraper”

  • Don’t forget the young boys who swept the street crossings for the nobles and earned pittances in order to feed their families in the slum districts. Also, the people emptied their slop jars into the street where the waste accumulated to create a miasmia, and woe to passerbys during the emptying process.

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