Europe Communications

      TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES

There were different types of Telegraphs, like the regular telegraphs, the print telegraphs, and the big telegraphs that were used on offices.

As another type of communication there was also the telephone....

Fashion in the 1880s

Early 19th century corsets of the 1820s-40s were still called stays. They were usually white or beige in color, made from cotton or linen and sometimes had colored stitching. Most of these corsets were home made and many were corded and embroidered in beautiful and elaborate decorative patterns. A single stiff wooden or Ivory busk was inserted into a pocket down the closed center front  for support. Beautifully carved and painted busks are often given as a love token.  All corsets were over bust and most opened in the center back only. Grommets were made of carved ivory, bone or wood.

Opium Den

An opium den was an establishment where opium was sold and smoked. Opium dens were prevalent in many parts of the world in the 19th century, most notably China, Southeast Asia, North America and France.

1800s Cost of Living

1 bag of flour $1.80
Small measure of potatoes daily at .17 per day $1.19
1/4 lb of tea .38
1 qt milk .56
1 lb cheap coffee .35
Sugar 3 1/2 lb $1.05
1/2 ration meats per week $3.50
4 lb. butter $1.60
2 lb. lard .38
Dried apples for treats .25
Vegetables .50
Soap, starch, pepper, salt, vinegar, etc. $1.00
2 bushels of coal $1.36
Kerosene .30
Sundries .28
Rent $4.00 week

Total $18.50

An artistic Opium

Opium was introduced to Europe during the early 1800 by Chinese immigrants and sailors. Arriving from the Orient, opium had an air of exoticism surrounding it, as well as a certain artistic appeal to it's users. Many well known faces and celebrities have used Opium,such as Pablo Picasso, Allister Crowley and as well Sherlock Holmes visited the den's many times. Opium Dens were around the corners at the beginning and grew out to the Lime district of Europe during the 1900. 

"Where would I find Opium? The Opium that is my

 life, the magic opium that intoxicates me with 

pleasure and illusions, intrepid opium

that sustains me here".

Gas Lighting

Early in the 19th century, most cities in the United States and Europe were lit up by gaslight.

British Monarchs

During Sherlock Holmes time, there were different monarchs who ruled Britain.



From 1837-1901, Queen Victoria, daughter of prince Edward ruled.












Then from 1901-1910, King Edward VII, son of Victoria and Prince Albert, ruled.












Finally, from 1910-1936, King George V, son of Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark ruled Great Britain.

Transportation on six legs

The transportation during Sherlock Holmes' time were carriages which would transport people within Europe.

Description of 221b Baker Street

This sequence of photographs shows houses along the west side of Upper Baker Street. The official home of Sherlock Holmes at 221b Baker Street is just out of the picture to the right, which is today known as the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle's first reference to the home of Sherlock Holmes was in Upper Baker Street, and this picture sequence of photographs taken at that time clearly show what the street looked like when Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson were engaged on their adventures!

Walking up the street from left to right (South to North) we come to New Street which is presently known as Melcombe Street. The Post Office sign points to the post office which is actually in New Street next to the corner grocery store. It's adress however is 45 Upper Baker Street - perhaps because at some period it might have been possible to access it from Upper Baker Street. This is the local post office that Holmes and Watson must have used on frequent occasions.

The sign in New Street that looks like a wall clock is actually an advertisement. The corner shop and all the adjacent properties in the picture were demolished in the 1930's to make way for the Abbey National Headquarters building.

The Society of Entertainers Agency at No 44 looks as though it is at an angle because the photo was taken from an angle, but in fact it is parallel to the other properties, as can be seen from this picture looking North along the Street.

The terrace of houses to the right of the picture, including Sherlock Holmes's house, thankfully still survive today, and visitors are warmly welcome to make their way up the 17 steps to the Great Detective's study overlooking Baker Street.