"The twin bed labeled as the devil's creation: A concise account of the customs around bed sharing in rural homes"
Article Title: The Enduring Tradition of Separate Sleeping Arrangements in Britain's Aristocracy
In the world of Britain's aristocracy, the norm for almost a century was the practice of separate sleeping arrangements. This tradition, deeply rooted in social customs and practical considerations, was particularly prevalent in upper-class households from the Georgian era through Victorian times.
The historical tradition of separate sleeping quarters can be traced back to notions of propriety, privacy, and class distinction. Even married couples often slept in separate bedrooms, a practice that was most evident among the Georgian aristocracy and continued through Victorian times. These arrangements were more about maintaining social decorum than a lack of marital affection.
Large country houses, such as Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire, had distinctly separate married and bachelor wings. Guests were often provided with maps to navigate between these areas, emphasizing the strict spatial separation of sleeping quarters by marital status or gender. The need for separate bedrooms was sometimes a necessity due to the sheer size of the estates and their social functions, like shooting parties with many guests. Queen Victoria, an exception to the norm, shared a bed with Prince Albert, demonstrating a level of intimacy uncommon among aristocratic couples of the time.
The use of state beds, elaborate, high-canopy beds with luxurious upholstery and materials like velvet and silk, was common in these households during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These beds, influenced by French designs, served not only as a private space but also as a status symbol.
Within royal households, the concept of beds and bedchambers had ceremonial and staff-related roles. For example, in the 17th century, the King's bedchamber was served by elite courtiers such as the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber who would wait on the king during the night. This formal service underlines how sleeping arrangements in aristocracy and royalty had layers of ritual and hierarchy beyond practical sleeping needs.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the tradition of separate sleeping arrangements persists, albeit with some modern twists. One in seven people prefer to sleep apart from their partner, according to the 2022 YouGov Sleep Study, with reasons including snoring, duvet-hogging, and mismatched routines.
This tradition has been observed in various aristocratic homes. At Chatsworth, Derbyshire, a guest's case was taken into the dressing room, and their partner's dress was placed in a separate room. Similarly, at Burghley House, the master bedroom on the ground floor was once the domain of Lady Victoria Leatham, but her daughter Miranda Rock and her husband now live there with their four children, having moved up to the top West Wing.
Architectural historian Mark Girouard argues that sleeping arrangements have shaped social dynamics and the very fabric of country-house architecture. Hilary Hinds, a professor at Lancaster University, has researched the cultural legacy of twin beds and published a book on the subject in 2019.
Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, believes that this tradition may help sustain marriages in aristocratic circles. Lady Celestria Hales, president of the Knights of Malta, notes that having separate rooms and visiting each other at night helps preserve the romance. Sleeping separately among Britain's aristocracy is viewed as a mark of elegance, practicality, and personal comfort.
Despite the changing times, the tradition of separate sleeping arrangements in Britain's aristocracy continues to hold a certain charm and allure, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and the enduring influence of social customs on contemporary living.
In the realm of Britain's aristocracy, the practice of maintaining separate bedrooms, a tradition stemming from notions of propriety and privacy, can be traced in lifestyle choices even today. For instance, according to the 2022 YouGov Sleep Study, one in seven people prefer to sleep apart from their partner, echoing the historical discrepancies in home-and-garden arrangements among the aristocracy.
The continuance of separate sleeping quarters in modern aristocratic relationships underscores the impact of the enduring tradition on contemporary living, illustrating how relationships are sometimes shaped by these historical customs.
