
The Edwardian era is named after King Edward VII who reigned from 1901 to 1910. Some consider the Edwardian period to include 1901 to the start of the First World War in 1914.
The Edwardian period is noted as a time of great social and economic change. In politics, there was a growing political awareness of the working class, leading to a rise in trade unions , the Labour movement and demands for better working conditions. The Edwardian period was a critical time for the women’s suffrage campaign, with Suffragettes leading a high profile campaign for women to be given the vote.
The Edwardian period is also seen as the high point of the British Empire, with the Empire stretching across the globe. After the First World War, many looked back on the Edwardian period as a ‘golden age’ of tranquil summer afternoons and romantic steam rail journeys to any part of the country. Though this romantic view ignores the deep social divisions in England, with many still living in poverty.
Kind Edward VII was the son of Queen Victoria who was the longest serving Monarch from 1837-1901.
Famous People of the Edwardian Period
Edward VII (1841 – 1910) – A more modern and outgoing king than his mother, Queen Victoria. King Edward helped to revitalise the monarchy insisting on lavish royal ceremonies, which helped to create greater interest and patriotism. He also forged closer political ties with France, which helped the alliance of France and Great Britain.
David Lloyd George (1863 – 1945) British Liberal Politician. As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lloyd George passed a radical budget in 1909 giving pensions and unemployment benefits, financed through higher income tax. The budget was so radical; the Commons had to assert its constitutional authority over the Lords.
Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965) Initially elected as Conservative MP, he switched allegiance to the Liberal party in 1904. He assisted with the passing of the ‘People’s budget’ Appointed First Lord of the Admiralty in 1911.
Writers of the Edwardian Era
Social Activists of the Edwardian Era
William Booth (1829 – 1912) – Founder of The Salvation Army – Christian organisation dedicated to reducing poverty and ‘saving’ souls.
Annie Besant (1847-1933) – Women’s activist, political campaigner for working class, Theosophist and Indian nationalist.
Suffragists / Women’s Activists
Scientists of Edwardian Period
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Received Nobel Prize in Physics (1903) and Chemistry (1911). Curie, with her husband, made groundbreaking work in the field of radioactivity.
Developed the theory of relativity. Made important discoveries in the fields of electro-magnetism and gravity.
Explorers of the Edwardian Era
Ernest Shackleton (1874 – 1922) Anglo-Irish polar explorer. Shackleton made ground-breaking explorations of the South Pole. The Edwardian period is often referred to as the ‘heroic age of exploration.
Famous Europeans of the Edwardian Period
Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan. “Famous people of the Edwardian Era”, Oxford, UK. www.biographyonline.net, Published 16 January 2013. Last updated 15 February 2018.
Edwardian England: A Guide to Everyday Life
Edwardian England: A Guide to Everyday Life at Amazon
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