For many centuries Valentine's Day was celebrated as a time when tokens of love could be exchanged. But, the tradition became truly popular during the Victorian era when, due to improvements in printing techniques, and the introduction of a postal service, commercially printed cards were sent instead of hand-written sheets of verse. Some of these cards were very elaborate with paper embossed and cut like lace ~ with decorative items like mirrors and feathers ~ and sometimes even strands of the hair plucked from the head of the sender.
As well as being romantic, many cards had a humorous bent as well. Some could even be cruelly malicious, so much so that in the 1850's the New York Times was to publish the following editorial -
As well as being romantic, many cards had a humorous bent as well. Some could even be cruelly malicious, so much so that in the 1850's the New York Times was to publish the following editorial -
Our beaux and belles are satisfied with a few miserable lines, neatly written upon fine paper, or else they purchase a printed Valentine with verses ready made, some of which are costly, and many of which are cheap and indecent. In any case, whether decent or indecent, they only please the silly and give the vicious an opportunity to develop their propensities, and place them, anonymously, before the comparatively virtuous. The custom with us has no useful feature, and the sooner it is abolished the better.
Catherine saved a great many tokens of love of which 22 illustrated letters, some poems, sonnets and stories, and sketches with scenes of marital bliss, are all still preserved to view today at the North Yorkshire County Records office.
One of her ardent admirers wrote: 'I'll gratify your slightest wish, whether t'were small or great, say the word at once you're heard, my pretty, pretty Kate.'
Another said: 'I'm ugly I know, but I'll presently show, that I really am not to be sneezed at.'
But the one who received Catherine's heart in return was her cousin, George Allanson Cayley, who married his love in 1859 after urging that she should, 'keep your kisses all for me.'
Another said: 'I'm ugly I know, but I'll presently show, that I really am not to be sneezed at.'
But the one who received Catherine's heart in return was her cousin, George Allanson Cayley, who married his love in 1859 after urging that she should, 'keep your kisses all for me.'
Catherine Worsley's valentines were unearthed by Katie Robinson, a Record Assistant at the North Yorkshire County Office who'd been carrying out some research for the BBC TV programme, Who Do You Think You Are?
For related posts please see: How do I Love Thee - the story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning and A Curious Love Letter from a Gentleman to a Lady.