From fieldwork to Fortnite – childhood has shifted dramatically over the last century, but the childish spirit of curiosity and mischief remains recognisable across generations
Growing up has always been a balancing act between structure and freedom, expectation and imagination. But the nature of childhood – how it’s spent, what’s valued, and when independence begins – has shifted dramatically over the past two centuries.
For most of the 19th century, childhood in East Dorset was short and often harsh.
Many children worked from an early age, especially in rural families where an extra pair of hands in the fields mattered more than classroom attendance. Education, if it happened at all, was patchy – a luxury for wealthier households, a charitable provision for everyone else.
Formal schooling gradually became more widespread after the 1870s. By the early 20th century, most children were in school until the age of 14. Lessons focused on the basics – reading, writing, arithmetic – alongside moral instruction and, for girls, domestic skills like sewing. It was education with a purpose: not to broaden horizons, but to prepare children for work.
The Second World War brought disruption but also reform. From the 1940s onwards, the idea of education as a right – not a privilege – began to take hold. The school leaving age rose, and new opportunities opened up. Secondary schools expanded, and by the 1960s, further education and training were within reach for many more teenagers.
The way we play
But childhood isn’t just about classrooms. The way children spent their free time also changed. Earlier generations had little leisure and fewer possessions. Entertainment was self-made: seasonal games, exploring the countryside, or helping out at home. By the 1950s and 60s, consumer culture had taken hold. Comics, pop records, and branded toys shaped a new kind of childhood – still rooted in the local, but increasingly influenced by national trends.
Youth organisations, from Scouts and Guides to church groups and sports clubs, offered structure and purpose. They helped young people develop confidence, skills and friendships – and were often the first taste of independence beyond the family.
Today, childhood looks different again. Longer, in many ways – more education, later starts to working life. There’s less freedom to roam, but more support and safety. Digital life often replaces much of the outdoor play that once defined every childhood in rural areas.
After several animals escaped, the zoo had to close in 1955
Old photographs quietly remind us how much remains familiar, however. Fashions and hairstyles may change, but the energy, curiosity, pride and moments of mischief all feel instantly recognisable. Time moves on, but the look in their eyes tells a story universally understood.
