Lady Clementine

While the British aristocracy had long played a dominant role in English politics and society, the nature of its roles and functions underwent important transformations during the time period in which Lady Clementine is set.

For much of England’s history, the aristocracy drew its power from its position as landowners and key political players. As landed aristocrats, they controlled vast estates and monopolized much of agriculture for centuries. As royal courtiers, military leaders, and government officials, they exercised considerable influence in the governments of the monarchs. During the course of the 19th century, however, England underwent rapid and dramatic transformations through the Industrial Revolution. The middle classes began to rise in importance and prestige, with large fortunes accruing to many enterprising industrialists. As British society became increasingly capitalistic and urbanized, the traditional powers of the aristocracy became threatened. Reformers agitated for political suffrage and greater social protections for the working- and middle-classes. The monarchy’s power shrank as Parliament’s role grew.

By the turn of the 20th century and during the interwar years, many members of the traditional aristocracy were forced to grapple with a political and economic landscape that no longer afforded them the easy dominance they were used to. Some aristocratic families underwent financial strain, struggling to afford the considerable upkeep that their mansions and estates required. As a result, some matches were made between floundering British aristocrats and rich American heirs and heiresses, as is the case for Winston’s cousin in Lady Clementine. Other families sank into debt, further eroding their power and prestige. With the eradication of several European monarchies after World War I, the British aristocracy appeared as an increasingly antiquated institution.

Lady Clementine reflects some of these historical trends and pressures. Clementine remains on the outside of the more well-to-do aristocracy, as her mother’s spending habits have placed the family in a precarious position. Before her marriage, Clementine does not always have the proper clothes for formal gatherings and needs to do tutoring and needlework to help make ends meet. These pressures remain even after her marriage to Winston. Although Winston possesses an impeccable pedigree, he has no grand income to maintain their lifestyle. Winston spends much of his life writing books and giving speeches, trying to narrow the gap between their expenses and their income.

Winston and Clementine only experience relief from their financial issues years into their marriage, when they receive an inheritance from one of Clementine’s distant relatives. The Great Depression, however, marks a return to their budgeting. These money worries define much of the interwar aristocracy, who are expected to serve in the government, perform charity, entertain lavishly, and maintain houses—and to still do so without taking on visible labor.