Help needed on cost terms
Posted by P. Bingham on June 11, 1998 at 03:18:34:
I cannot understand exactly what the price is on many items I have found in diaries, etc. and ask if someone can enlighten me. I'm beginning to feel like an idiot but I don't want to second guess! Here is a typical group:
silk stockings with cotton feet, 7/6 a pair. (what?) Shoes, 4/6. India Muslin, 1/6 a yard; Terrendams, 3/6; Alliballies, 5/- a yard (now that one I really have absolutely no idea what 5/- means!).
If someone can help me I'd vry much appreciate it.
Here is something I found in the English Women's Clothing in the 19th Century by C. Willet Cunnington (the above prices were actually from this book but I have plenty of other prices from other sources that tend to list the same way). The book is listed in the Bibliography. It's not very useful but becuase so many posters feel they need to have something to compare today's money with the past's here you go:
The purchasing power of the sterling was equivalent, in terms of today's value:
in 1800 to 3 pounds 17s. 0d.
in 1825 to 2 pounds 16s. 4d.,
in 1850 to 1 pound 15s. 2d.,
in 1875 to 2 pounds 1s. 10d.,
in 1900 to 1 pound 13s. 0d
The author wrote "For these figures I am indebted to the London School of Economics"
Oh, and what does 0d mean?
Patricia
- Old British money Linden 04:13:52 6/11/98
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- New Pence Barbara 02:00:23 7/18/98
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- Ah! You're a charm! Thanks! (nfm) P. Bingham 15:15:16 6/11/98
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- New Pence Barbara 02:00:23 7/18/98
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