The increasing affluence in London also leads to a commercial entertainment industry. Before urbanisation people’s entertainments were linked with those suitable in the country environment of an Estate, as only the Upper Classes had leisure time. But as the middling classes evolve the demand for mass entertainment arises and affluence grows eventually even the lower classes need to be entertained with something other than Gin.
A list of entertainments in London for the lower classes:
Gin drinking
Animal baiting
Bare knuckle boxing
Football and cricket
Gangs
Rioting
The Pillory
Executions
Clubs
Gambling – including the Lottery
Mmmm. It is no wonder that the middling classes wanted something else more genteel:
The sight of London – parks, tombs and Abbeys
Shopping
Museums
The Theatre – Drury Lane
Oratorios and Operas
Exhibitions
Balls
Pleasure Gardens.
I certainly know which ones I would prefer.