In the 1800s some children were taught in their own home by a
governess or a tutor, rather than going to school. Girls were taught embroidery, music and housekeeping skills. Boys were taught subjects that would help in the family business. In poor families, children as young as five years were sent to work in factories. They may have had no schooling at all.
Many families had their own cow and hens and grew their own vegetables. Before refrigeration, cows were kept close to town to provide fresh milk. Once food could be kept cold, specialties (like cheeses) from different areas could be sold in towns and cities far from the farm.
