Terrible puns and filthy limericks: the Victorian sense of humour

What made Queen Victoria, and her Victorian subjects, laugh? Bob Nicholson explores the 19th-century sense of humour

Vintage-style illustration of a laughing man and woman in Victorian clothing, shown close together and smiling broadly.

Published: February 13, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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Queen Victoria was – so legend has it – famously 'not amused'. But, as Dr Bob Nicholson reveals in this episode of the HistoryExtra podcast, the long-lived queen did have a sense of humour – as did her subjects. Speaking with David Musgrove, Bob explores what made people laugh in the 19th century.

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Please note: this episode contains some very strong language and adult humour.

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Want to delve further into the stranger side of Victorian life? Listen to our series on the life of 19th-century circus showman, animal wrangler, and long-distance wheelbarrow pedestrian Bob Carlisle in our podcast series, The Tiger Tamer who Went to Sea. Go beyond the podcast.

Authors

Dr David Musgrove, FSAContent director

David Musgrove is the content director at HistoryExtra

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