An occassional blog dedicated to further exploring the historical context behind Downton Abbey, as well as encouraging debate over the historical context/interpretation of the programme as a whole. Beware of spoilers. Unless otherwise specified all graphics made are mine, with all screencaps coming from DowntonOnline.
Trigger warnings.
The Wellcome Gallery, as per usual, has some great online content: the relatively new phenomenon/increased emphasis regarding medical inspection is explored here. Look particularly at the “Gas Fiend” cartoon. Also the cross-section from the lung poisoning from phosgene shell poisoning might be interesting for William Mason fans.
The mental effects of battle is an incredibly interesting section relating to shell shock and more generally to the mental effects of war. Also regarding the kind of makeshift soup kitchen Mrs Bird and Mr Molesley set up, this poster in particular supplies us with relevant context.
If you have a stronger constitution than I there are videos on “War Neuroses” as treated by Netley hospital in 1917.
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#downton abbey #shell shock #gas blindness #world war one #gas poisoning #william mason
