COVE

Gertrude's Commentary: 

I’m currently staring at the list of routes the omnibus takes near Campden Hill, that I just picked up at the local bus station, and boy is this overwhelming. I’ve never had to even think about taking an omnibus before, but since our father passed and we lost nearly all of our fortune, I have no choice but to consider such forms of public transportation. I know my sisters aren’t keen on the idea, but I am actually rather excited for this new aspect of my life. I never particularly cared for luxury transportation that my Aunt Caroline is so fond of, and I like how I can now get on the omnibus like any average individual, and it will take me where-ever I please. Ah, how liberating! Once I learn these routes, I’ll surely be able to expand my knowledge on photography. I mean imagine how many more photography shops and shooting locations I’ll have access to! I must make it a point to explore as many galleries, and studios as I can in town if I’m going to convince my sister’s that this new photography business of ours will actually work. In fact, I suppose now that I can take the Omnibus I’ll be able to escape Aunt Caroline’s constant pressure to marry off my sisters and I. I mean why can’t she understand I want to do things for myself, why should I need a husband?

Editorial Commentary: 

The Victorian list of Omnibus Routes in the Kensington area (a city near Campden Hill) represents Gertrude’s newfound sense of freedom after her father’s death. Prior to her father's passing, Gertrude and her sisters were considered upper-class females, holding them to the many societal duties that came with this role. Now, as Gertrude browses through the list of places the omnibus can take her, she reflects on how many new opportunities arise from taking this form of public transportation. This excites Gertrude because it fills her with a sense of freedom, specifically from the pressures of society as she mentions. Omnibus’ were an extremely popular form of public transportation in Victorian London, particularly among the working class, due to their large capacity and various routes. However, because Kensington is a wealthier area in London, it consisted mostly of upper-class citizens who were less likely to use public transportation such as the omnibus. Therefore, the omnibus system serves as kind of an escape from the harsh societal expectations that came with being an upper-class Victorian woman, allowing Gertrude to pursue her true passions. Besides her new-found feelings of liberation, Gertrude’s commentary also illustrates the omnibus’ ability to provide one with independence. For instance, Gertrude explains that she is excited to ride the omnibus because she can individually travel where-ever she wants, demonstrating the freedom that public transportation provides to the working-class. Overall, Gertrude’s reaction to the omnibus route list serves to illustrate how class and gender expectations were exemplified through differing forms of transportation. Because public transportation such as the omnibus was something utilized mainly by the middle class, Gertrude views it as an escape from her life in Kensington as an upper-class female.

Citation: 

Victorian London - Transport - Road - Omnibus - Routes, Hand-Book of London, www.victorianlondon.org/transport/omnibus-routes.htm.

19th Century London and Victorian Transport. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/museum-guide/19th-century-london-and-vi....