Fed up with modern life? Blame the Victorians

THEY may have overseen the great days of Empire but the Victorians are to blame for most of the annoyances of modern British life, scientists claim.

They paved the way for hipster beards, advertising, Photoshop and the commercialisation of Christmas. In fact, experts say, they ruined our world.

We waste gallons of water because of the sewerage system they invented, while petrol cars were also their idea, the Chelten- ham Science Festival heard. Geneticist Dr Kat Arney and two engineers made the light-hearted case for their claims. Dr Arney said: ‘I am a big admirer of Victorians’ vision. They did incredible things. But they didn’t think of the consequences.’

Queen Victoria popularised beards, allowing soldiers fighting in sub-zero tempera- tures in the Crimea to wear them for the first time.

Dr Arney added: ‘We can blame the Victorians for modern advertising, specifically Thomas Barratt. He came up with one of the first advertising slogans, “Good morning, have you used Pears soap?”.

‘He created the first celebrity endorsement, bringing in the actress Lillie Langtry to advertise soap.’

Victoria’s husband Prince Albert is respon- sible for bringing the German tradition of putting up a Christmas tree to Britain and the era saw the start of rampant consumerist present-buying. The Victorians can even be credited with the laying the ground for Photoshop, Dr Arney said. ‘The Victorians loved their trick photography, including pictures of headless people,’ she said.

The experts say the Victorians even ruined curry – by importing it and trying to make it more British.