Posted on Thursday 7th August 2025
Engagement & Access Manager Sarah English (L) and Learning Officer Elizabeth Short (R) from the Staffordshire History Centre with props from the Vicious Victorians event.
Families are invited to roll up their sleeves and clock in for a day of hands-on history at a free event exploring the toughest and grimiest jobs of the 19th century
'Vicious Victorians' is taking place on Wednesday 13 August at the Staffordshire History Centre in Stafford. The all-day drop-in event will give visitors the chance to travel back in time and discover more about chimney sweeps, rat catchers, chainmakers and domestic servants.
Children and adults alike will be able to try out Victorian jobs via fun interactive challenges, use replica tools and tasks and even test their wits in a coal-pit-themed puzzle room escape challenge.
The event is part of the centre’s expanding family offerings and exhibitions programme.
Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“The Victorians helped shape the county we know today, but life for many working people at the time was incredibly tough.
“This event will give families a fun and engaging way to connect with our county’s industrial heritage and help them learn more about our past. We’re really looking forward to welcoming families to the centre this summer and hope the Vicious Victorians event will be a great opportunity for younger visitors to explore the past in a hands-on and memorable way.”
Admission is free and activities run all day from 10.30am to 4pm. No booking is needed to attend, but free timed tickets for the puzzle room challenge will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.