young girl - what age do you think??

[little meg]

This photo was taken in Bradford, Yorkshire circa 1863, based on the photographers details.
I love the pic because it is not very often you see a young lass on her own in a  crimoline.

My query is: what age do you think she is, and at what age did  'girls' start wearing long dresses?

Regards Margaret

[Iria]

Hi Margaret

Could she be possibly 8-10 Years Old... Not to sure about when girls Started to ware Long Dresses ..


Hope this helps

Regards

Iria

[Roobarb]

She looks about twelve to fourteen to me. Apparently a longer skirt meant the approaching of adulthood. You may find this interesting

http://www.corsetsandcrinolines.com/tidbits.php?index=1

[little meg]

Thanks Iria and Roobarb,

Great site Roobarb, the length of dress is mentioned but just states, as you say  ; the longer skirt would have meant approaching adulthood.
so, what is adulthood, in terms back then, as it does not give an age.
Would it be teens, ie 13 plus, or much older.

I thought her to be about 12 ??

thanks
Margaret

[Roobarb]

Not really sure Margaret. I don't think it would have been puberty as I think girls tended to be older when they reached that stage than they are now. They certainly seemed to be regarded as adults in terms of employment when they were quite young - I've come across many ancestors who were employed as servants at only twelve.

After writing this I came across this site which clarifies it a bit better

http://www.fashion-era.com/Childrens_clothes/C19th_girls_costume.htm#Fashions_for_Children_After_1825_

According to that she would be about sixteen.

All fascinating stuff!     

[little meg]

an even better site, thankyou.

at 16, dresses to the ankles
at 14, to the calves
at 12 to the knee

It is fascinating isn't it. Thanks again.

Margaret

[saddles]

Hi Margaret........I thought the young lass needed a makeover, I hope you don't mind.

Carolyn 

[little meg]

Thanks Carolyn, of course I don't mind, great colour choice.

She sort of looks a bit spiritual, floating around, quite spooky!  

Margaret