This book examines the life cycle of the Victorian working class marriage through a study of the double bed hidden so far. Using forensic investigations to obtain intimate access to the home of the working class and its inhabitants, this book explores their matrimonial, semi-marital and post-marital families to reveal the physical, household and emotional experience of working class marriage every day of life and times of crisis.

Drawing on the modern approach to the use of local objects to explore interpersonal relationships, a double bed not only provides a re-reading of the experiences of the working wife, but also brings the husband of the malignant working class or simply ignored to the picture. Furthermore, it expands our understanding of the various marriage-like arrangements that exist throughout this category.

Through the cycle of married life, this book provides a greater understanding of marriage from the beginning, during childbirth, in times of sedition and marital collapse, and when the husband dies.