Toys have long played a vital role in the lives of children, providing not only entertainment but also education, socialisation, and development. Across history, the materials, design, and purpose of toys have evolved in tandem with shifts in culture, society, and technology. In Britain, toys have reflected the changing values, from the practical, education-focused items of the Anglo-Saxon period to the more intricate and imaginative toys of the Victorian era.
Anglo-Saxon Amusements
During the Anglo-Saxon period (c. 410–1066 AD), childhood was entirely different than today. Children were expected to contribute to the household at a young age, often participating in tasks such as helping with farming, cooking, or looking after younger siblings. Despite this, toys still played an important part in childhood.
Evidence of toys from this period is somewhat limited, as most were made from perishable materials like wood, clay, or leather. However, archaeological findings from Anglo-Saxon sites have unearthed simple toys such as dolls, animal figurines, and wooden spinning tops. These toys, while simple in design, offered children a form of escape and an opportunity to engage in imaginative play. Dolls, often made of bone or wood, might have been symbolic, used to represent fertility, family roles, or even the gods.
The toys of the Anglo-Saxon period were not only a means of entertainment but also a form of education. Simple toys like wooden carts or miniature tools may have helped children learn the skills they would need as adults. For example, boys might have played with small versions of ploughs to simulate their future role as farmers, while girls might have played with dolls to learn the duties of women in the household.
The importance of play in this period, though modest, should not be underestimated. It provided a brief respite from the duties and hardships of life, while subtly reinforcing the social roles and skills children would need as they grew.
Tudor Toys
Fast forward several centuries to the Tudor period (1485–1603), a time when England was experiencing significant political and social change. The reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I marked a period of cultural flourishing, and this was reflected in the toys and games of the time. During the Tudor era, toys became more elaborate and more widely available, particularly for the children of the nobility.
Toys were still often made of wood, but the Tudor period saw an increasing use of materials such as metal, leather, and textiles. Wealthy children enjoyed a variety of toys, including dolls dressed in fine clothes, miniature musical instruments, and small games such as quoits and cups and balls. These toys often mimicked adult activities, reflecting a world where status and social roles were emphasised. For example, girls would have been given dolls that allowed them to practice the roles they were expected to play as wives and mothers, while boys had toys that mirrored the growing importance of warfare and sport.
One notable feature of Tudor toys was their connection to the wider European Renaissance movement, which emphasised education, art, and the development of character. The wealthy elite often used toys as tools for developing etiquette, manners, and intellectual pursuits. For instance, board games such as chess and backgammon were common, promoting strategic thinking and social interaction.
Even for poorer children, toys played an important role. Simple wooden toys, such as spinning tops, hoops, and small animals, provided opportunities for outdoor play and imaginative games, which were crucial in promoting physical development and social bonding. These toys, although basic, were a vital part of childhood and allowed children to create worlds of their own.
Victorian Variety
The Victorian period (1837–1901) witnessed dramatic changes in the nature of toys, largely due to advances in industrialisation, mass production, and the emergence of a modern consumer society. This was the golden age of toys, with the rise of toy manufacturers and the growing importance of toys in children’s lives.
The Victorian era saw the introduction of mass-produced toys, including dolls, toy soldiers, and intricate wooden train sets. Advances in materials such as metal, tin, and later plastic allowed for the creation of more detailed and durable toys. Dolls became more realistic, with porcelain heads and jointed bodies, reflecting the growing importance of idealised domestic life. Boys and girls continued to have different sets of toys, with boys enjoying toy soldiers, trains, and mechanical contraptions, while girls were often given dolls, tea sets, and miniature domestic items.
In addition to providing entertainment, Victorian toys were also seen as a tool for moral and educational development. Many toys were designed to teach children virtues such as patience, obedience, and the importance of discipline. For example, games like ‘Ludo’ and ‘Snakes and Ladders’ were designed not only to entertain but also to instil good manners and social behaviour.
The Victorians also placed great emphasis on the idea of childhood as a distinct and precious stage of life. Toys became more sophisticated, and parents began to view them as necessary for the mental and physical development of children. Play was now regarded as an essential part of childhood, helping children learn important skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. The idea of toys as a means of fostering imagination and moral development became deeply ingrained in Victorian culture.
Toys have always played a vital role in childhood, offering a blend of entertainment, education, and development. From the simple dolls and wooden carts of the Anglo-Saxon period to the elaborate Victorian toys that marked a new era in childhood, the evolution of toys reflects the changing social, cultural, and technological landscape of Britain.
Here at the Weald & Downland Living Museum, you can experience the history of toys, games and childhood through the history of our buildings and the stories of those that lived in them.
