London 1870s

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-05 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-01-14

Marie's References

1874

• January 14: In her fantasy of adult life, Marie imagines living in Paris or London "selon les circonstances" (according to circumstances) and coming to Nice for a month to frolic with a chosen "bataclan" (rowdy group).

Historical Context

• Capital of the British Empire at its height
• Center of international finance and commerce
• Hub of artistic and intellectual life
• Popular with wealthy international elite
• Season ran from Easter to July
• Many Russians maintained residences

Society Life

• Strict social protocols and calling cards
• Presentation at Court for debutantes
• Opera, theater, and concert seasons
• Hyde Park rides and promenades
• Grand balls and dinner parties

For Marie's Class

• International aristocracy mingled freely
• Less rigid than British society for foreigners
• Shopping at Liberty, Harrods, and Bond Street
• Cultural attractions and museums
• Base for European travel