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Historical Links 

The links below are a few examples of websites specializing in topics of the Victorian Era. Feel free to peruse these for valuable historical information relating to themes within Oliver Twist and Fingersmith. 

The Gentleman:: Interesting facts defining a gentleman of the Victorian Era. Pay close attention to the values of primogeniture and moral obligations for a gentleman of this era. 

Victorian Theories of Sex and Sexuality: This link provides an overview of sexuality during the Victorian Era. This argues the idea that Victorians were sexually suppressed and offers ideas to suggest otherwise.

Workhouses: This link is a detailed history of the workhouse. This website has an abundance of links which include: The Poor Law, workhouse rules and life, children and education and numerous other topics relating to this institution. This link also has interesting, period photographs.

History of Institutionalization/Treatment: This is an interesting review of the treatment of the mentally ill. The information dates back to the thirteenth century and focuses on the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Photographs illustrate specific treatments. The "whirling chair" is reminiscent of the immersion device in Fingersmith.

London in the Nineteenth Century: This is website that includes a detailed description of London in the Nineteenth Century. Industrialization, social and economic issues are highlighted, as well as other important description.