Parlour Games
Parlour games are played indoors and are meant to involve groups of children. Very popular in Victorian times, they usually involve word play, memory, dramatic skill and physical activity. Some of the verbal games are surprisingly complex and require an extensive vocabulary.
The Victorians published many instructive books aimed at children that often included the most popular parlour games of the day. Some of the games listed below come from 'The Girls Own Book' by Mrs Child, published in 1864. Also included are examples from a later book, 'Games for Children' by Cecily M Rutley, published in 1932. Parlour games continued to be popular until the digital age led to a decline in home entertainment of this kind.
Blind Man's Bluff and Shadow Bluff
'One of the company is blindfolded, and runs round to catch the others, who all try to keep out of his grasp, at the same time that they go as near him as they can.'
Enigmas & Riddles
'Tis in the church, but not in the steeple; 'Tis in the parson, but not in the people; 'Tis in the oyster, but not in the shell...'
Hunt the Slipper
'All the players but one are placed in a circle; that one remains inside to hunt the slipper, which is passed from hand to hand very rapidly in the circle...'
I Love my Love
'This game may be played by any number, each taking a letter as it comes to her turn. Any mistake or hesitation incurs the penalty of a forfeit...'
The Party Bag Game
'Fill with sugar-plums a large bag of thin white paper, and tie a string round the top to keep it fast...'
My Uncle Does Not Like Peas
'You must all sit in a row or semicircle, except one player, who has to ask the questions. That player must know the "secret" of the game...'
Statues
'One player has to be chosen to be the "clown". Then all the others go and sit, or stand, about the room or garden...'
Throwing Smiles
'You must sit or stand in a ring. And you must all have quite solemn and grave faces. Then one player begins to smile...'
What Animal Am I?
'You must get ready beforehand a number of fairly large sheets of paper or thin cardboard, on each of which the name of some animal, bird, fish or insect ...'
