Not to brag, but last year, I also made over £10,000. Kerching!

The point about the £10,000 being a 'low estimate' also explains a bit more about Elizabeth's surprise when she actually saw Darcy's estate. If she'd heard that figure as a rumour, she may have assumed it was a bit of an exaggeration, so was even more suprised when she saw his actual estate.

Darcy would be appalled that his finances were being discussed in public!

Well hello there. I must say, this is a testament to the KZfaq algorithm. As a 260lb weightlifting, beer drinking, sci-fi nerd, I don't imagie that I fit the demographic of your average P&P fan. That being said, it's my favourite book. I also however, have not googled it or watched any videos related to it, nor anything which seems even tangentially linked to it. But, just now, KZfaq spat you in my direction. Great video, loved the approach. You have a new fan.

Elizabeth is a practical girl, and Mr Darcy's wealth is probably a factor, but not the ONLY factor that plays into her decision. It wouldn't matter how comfortable she would be if she found the man to be odious (i.e. Mr Collins). 10,000 a year would mean nothing if she had to put up with a man like Mr Collins. Even at the beginning of the story, when Mr Darcy snubs her at the dance, she knows how much he is worth but that doesn't influence her to like him, and it takes a long while for her to see the light. It is only after she gets to know him that she relents and the wealth is a bonus, not the cause, of the attraction.

From 1797 to 1821 there was considerable inflation, so the true date of the books events is important to the assessing of Mr Darcy's income in real terms. Jane started writing it, we believe, when she was quite young, so it is not set in the Regency era. She gives us clues. The ball at Netherfield took place on Tuesday 26th November. That limits us to 1793, 1799, 1805 and 1811. Wickham is an officer in the Militia. There was a surge in the Militia in the 1790s which reached its peak in 1799. At the end of the book we are told that he is affected by the return of peace. The only peace before the book was published was in 1802, The Peace of Amiens. My choice is therefore 1799-1800. Income Tax was introduced in 1799 and Mr Darcy would have been charged at the rate of ten per cent.

I don't think Elizabeth married Darcy for his money. I think she was awed and aware of what a compliment it was for a man of his stature and wealth to choose her. Actually seeing Pemberly made her really take in how much he loved and esteemed her. In turn, her respect and esteem for him grew. The real gratitude she felt after finding out about his saving Lydia cemented the positive feelings that had been growing. BTW, when she tells Mrs. Bennett about their engagement she exclaims that Darcy has £10,000 a year and MOST LIKELY MORE. So this video is a great explanation of where the more comes from. Thanks and Happy KZfaqeversary : )

When my 4x greatgrandparents were married, the announcement gave the name of the Groom and his father, where his estate was and the name of the brides father and the fact of her 1,5000 pounds a year. They never mentioned the bride by name. This was in the late 1700's.

It would have been funny if he walked into the room and said: "Yep, I have £10,000 per year...you heard it, bitches" [Pride & Prejudice 2020...starring Snoop Dog]

I ABSOLUTELY believe Ms. Bingley could be responsible. That cat had her eyes firmly set on Darcy for herself, so of course she'd be preening over the estate fortune she felt was hers in the bag!

I think Darcy's money had an impact on Elisabeth's decision to marry him. Not a big part, but a part non the less. Lizzie isn't stupid so she knows that Darcy is better than being dependent on the Collins' or Bingley's charity. With money like that she could take care of her family and not have to worry too much. Had money been her only motive, she would have married him straight away.

People were obliged to declare their income when they enter a new town just as now you have to declare it when you enter a country. The process was so well known and understood that she hardly needed to remind her audience of it except to say that the information circulated through the gossip mill.

I think it can be proved that the story is set in 1797. Somewhere in the book (I think it is after Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth), it mentioned him picking up his tricorne. The tricorne was the old-fashioned 18th-century hat. No young man in the 1810s would have worn one; perhaps a few older gentlemen would. Also, him having L10,000 p.a. was a big deal in the story, which, given what you said about inflation, would not have made much sense in 1811.

The locals could get an idea of Darcy's income from the quality of his clothes, how many servants he had, his horse & carriage, etc. You needed a certain amount of money to maintain all that. It was also spread about who was in debt, like Wickham. Darcy could have had more and not spent it, but not less.

So Darcy & Wickhams fathers died 5 years ago, but Wickham came back and attempted to elope with Georgiana like.. a year prior to the start of the novel wasn't it? So I think his information might still be current, and Wickham seems a bit hung up on the family so I would imagine he keeps his ear to the ground regarding them.

I love how you light up with excitement when figuring out how much money Mr Darcy has, and sharing this secret with others. It’s classic. You are very likable and deserve all the likes your youtube video gets, including mine.

So, he gave Wickham the equivalent of one year of his own income to persuade him to marry Lydia? That's love!

I think obviously Darcy's money had some effect on her decision to marry him, but I don't think she'd have objected to him if he'd had only 5000 pounds or 2000 pounds - she was actually seriously interested in Wickham, who basically had nothing. Mostly she just needed to get over his insult to her appearance (which was solved when she realized he was attracted to her) and have him correct the intervention into her sister's marriage. She may even have been initially attracted to him at that first ball, and was therefore doubly insulted when he said she wasn't handsome enough to tempt him.

Lizzie was not blind to Darcy income, and she was certainly impressed with Permberley... But money was never a deciding factor for her: she not only asserted this but turned down two advantageous proposals. After Jane secured better prospects for the family, I am convinced Elizabeth would not marry for money and status even to a king.

When Elizabeth was asked when she first realised she loved Darcy, she replied she could put it back to first seeing Pemberley so I believe it had an slight impact on her decision to marry him but ultimately I don't believe she would marry someone she didn't love.

With Gentlemen’s income increasing every year it says a lot about Mr Bennet that he never managed to save any money from his clear £2,000.00 annual income for his daughters.

I think his income was on of the things that initially attracted her attention. The allure that your family may not become destitute immediately after your father's eventual death would be a motivating factor in anyone decisions, no matter the era. But she would never have taken as momentous a step as marriage if she didn't like the person she was marrying regardless of their wealth, as we see in the narrative.

Wonderfully informative, as always, and quite deserving of a gently pressed like from me ;)

4 years! Well done!🎉 I don't think Elizabeth was very influenced by Darcy's money. She was stubborn enough to stick to her principles and with Jane's engagement to Bingley, the pressure was off of Elizabeth to marry wealth.

Now I wanna know how it was calculated for Georgiana to have 30,000. That aside, all that wealth really must have bothered Wickham a great deal. He must have also felt a sense of entitlement with him growing up in Pemberley. Wickham must have been so spoiled. Being doted on by Darcy's father while Fitzwilliam had to be strictly educated as the eldest in the family. To answer your question about Elizabeth's decision in marrying him, I do think with her being a practical woman, it did help in accepting his proposal. That's one less thing to worry about. After all, she grew up with such tight finances. Because of this interestingly informational video, I feel like I need to read Pride and Prejudice again. Now I can look at Darcy's self confidence in a new light. With him being that rich and successful, why would anyone reject his proposal? Pft hahaha Oh Fitzwilliam. You poor boy.

Another great video, congratulations on 4 years on youtube! I always assumed that Wickham had gotten his knowledge more recently from either Mrs. Younge or Georgiana when he plotted to elope with her.

This is fascinating. Thank you for this deep dive into Darcy and regency incomes and economy. Do you think you could do a video on women who might control their own money and investments in that time period.

On gossip , back in the days , everyone knew everybody’s business . Their origins, their roots , their heritage …. So it would have been normal for everyone to know about 10 000 pounds

I don’t think Darcy’s wealth and beautiful house were much of a factor in Elizabeth‘s decision to marry him. She couldn’t help but be impressed by them, but I don’t think she would ever have married him unless she had to come to love and respect him for his actions, and what they showed about his character.

Congratulations on your 4th anniversary here on youtube! I loveee your content! And the quality of not only research but aesthetically 🙌🏻 I will continue to share these videos with my friends, you’re a hidden treasure 🥰

Wonderfully informative and fun video. This is right up my alley! All of the aspects of the lives of the characters in P&P are so important to the understanding and enjoyment of this book. I can't wait for future videos! Congratulations on your 4 year anniversary!

from the letter of Mr Collins of 15th Oct announcing his coming to Bennets on Monday 18th November and from the calendar: there were three possibilities that it was the year 1799, 1805 or 1811

This is one of my favourite books, but I really have not given the subject of Darcy’s income, a lot of thought. Great video 👍

We don’t want to think he owned slaves but undoubtedly he had holdings in tea or sugar plantations. Potentially in cotton or tobacco in the United States.

I am thoroughly impressed by the depth of your research. Accessing both the Met and the Rijks (kudos for knowing about the Rijksmuseum -- though it is spelled as one word), online resources reserved for acknowledged researchers, proceedings and books, well done. Definitely more substance than you expect from the stereotypical Jane Austen enthusiast ;-)

Anita Loos says (via Loralei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”) that “a man being rich is like a girl being pretty.” How true and how awful. No wonder the rich hang out with other rich people. Who wants to be valued solely for their money?

Would Darcy have wanted people spilling the beans on his income though? tl:dr: Darcy is actually a lot richer than 10k pounds a year.

Really great! Your videos are such a delight! It makes me relax! (Specially your voice). Thank you for giving us such a great, well informed and funny experience. Regards from a Brazilian in Turkey :)

I vaguely recall in the 2005 remake that Elizabeth complains that Darcy is "too rich" LOL. Don't recall if anything of the kind was actually in the book but I got to thinking now, if Elizabeth didn't have a preconceived or "prejudiced" notion of what living in a very rich person's estate might be like. No doubt, if one only visits when balls are being held, then one might be forgiven for thinking that noisy grand dinners are held every day! Visiting Pemberley in it's "everyday clothes" might have revealed to her, that these places were also working estates. Managers heading out with work teams to repair access roads, sending (and maybe even paying) for the doctor if a tenant was ill. She might come to see that the place wasn't as intimidating as perhaps visiting other grand estates might have fostered in her. It might be hard to think of a grand estate as "homey" but perhaps Darcy was able to cultivate that in Pemberley. Unfortunately, the 2005 remake played on the grandness of the place but compare and contrast when she accidentally encounters Darcy's sister playing on the piano. The room might be bigger, and the piano grander, but the genial atmosphere of siblings in each other's company while one is playing the piano was a common event in Elizabeth's home life. The social stratosphere between the two, might not be so great after all (even if the disparity in incomes was enormous).

This taught me to always invest in land!! No better asset, especially if there's running water and the ability to grow your own food.

You are amazing! I came here to understand the basics of Darcy's income and I feel like I ended up getting a much greater, deeper understanding of regency era economics and income 😃 thank you!

I’d enjoy your take on the various theories as to how Mr. Collins doesn’t share the surname Bennet in this primogeniture system, something I can’t seem to find a definitive answer to. :)

"He probably, definitely had more." 😂 So will you! You're doing a wonderful job. Happy anniversary and thank you for this amazing content. And cat. 😅

Wow i had to subscribe. I love pride and prejudice but its your detailed breakdown and explanation that sold me :-)

This content is so well researched ❤oh Ellie we miss your regency era content

Congratulations on your channel anniversary 💐👏

So here I always thought that Wickham would be one to actually play up Darcy's income... 1st to make Darcy appear grimmer for allegedly not sharing what was promised to Wickham when there was clearly enough to go around, 2nd to make himself look more attractive in her eyes for the big sum he would potentially have rights to

These historical content videos are SOOOO good, I'm obsessed.

I think if the story was set in 1811 - using the inflation information - it would be even more impactful that his servants talk so highly of him. A good job would have been everything and he sounds like he was a good employer.

Congratulations on your anniversary! You have such a fun way of presenting information and you're so upbeat. That was such a big help during last year's dumpster fire. I might have been stuck at home but at least I had good books and Ellie Dashwood to look forward to. Keep up the good work.

Such an informative video; thank you for sharing! I'd love to see more of your takes on Regency era life, society, etc.--especially in relation to the brilliant Jane Austen's works. :)

Congratulations on your anniversary and another informative and fun video!

Seems to me that, if money were a conscious factor, it would only have been to indicate how different and good natured he is in comparison to other very wealthy people (such as his aunt) which may have endeared him to her more. However, I also think that his having so much money in a way gave her permission to allow herself to fall in love with him because she knew that he wouldn’t be taking on a burden by marrying her the way a man who had less may have. I feel like it didn’t need to be as much as he had, she probably would have been comfortable with a couple thousand a year, but his wealth potentially had the added benefit of knowing that, between herself and Jane, her family would be taken care of after her father died. And also his nature, shown in his righting the Lydia-Wickham situation, proved that he would use his resources for the benefit of her and her family. I think it’s a very nuanced thing, and while it would likely never have been a conscious thing, I doubt she could escape the subconscious realizations of security and comfort, if that makes sense!

It is now another year! Congratulations Ellie!

I don't think Elisabeth married only for money, but that it was in her thoughts is pretty obvious throughout the book. There is a scene, during christmas, when her aunt Grant calls her off for linking Whickam too much, because he doesn't have the means and that is when she starts checking her self up and "guarding her feelings" so when she is in town and they all go to the theatre, before visiting Rosings, and her aunt picks up on Whickam courting a girl who just became rich, she can laugh it off and comment on how he couldn't marry her because she is poor. There is another example with Coloner Fritzwilliam. She obviously likes him but there is a point made when he jokes around saying, essentialy, he's too much into a lavish life style as to marry her and she sees the point of it... This said, I don't think she married Darcy for his money, but she was deffenetly not going to marry someone poor. I think, had he been poorer she would have still married him but if he as rich as Colonel F. or Whickam that would have been out of the question... so money did play a small part in it.

Hi Ellie! So maybe Mr Darcy is richer than we imagined? I'm looking forward your next video about this topic. Your fan from Italy. Cheers!

There's also the link with the Bingleys; they are quite firmly from 'trade'. I don't think it's a massive leap to assume that Darcy uses this connection to make extra cash. I hope it isn't mining, or sugar but I have a horrible feeling it probably is.

Well done indeed. Another great video.

In Austen's books, everyone seems to know everyone's income situation. Bingley's situation was known upon entering the ball, too. Bingley & Darcy somehow knew the financial situation of the Bennet girls. Their cousin, Mr. Collins, seemed to know that Mr. Bennet had not save money for his girls--even though he'd never met the Bennets. Oh, in the letter Mr. Darcy writes to Elizabeth, he easily explains the allowance his sister gets. It's all very odd to me. First, I was taught to never ask or talk about your wealth, or lack there of. I'm just now teaching my teens that they can't determine a person's wealth based upon how they spend. In other words, a person's true wealth is kept a secret in my world.

Congratulations on four years! Love your work

I did late medieval socio economics for my PhD. Although this is an earlier period than Mr Darcy, I know where the resources are to look into this further. In 1800 £10,000 equates to £440,000 in 2017 according to the national archives historic currency converter. It was the equivalent of 66,000 days wages for a skilled tradesman and could buy 952 horses or 2000 cows. One question for you, does the book state ‘pounds’? Are they not talking Guineas? I would think that would be more appropriate for their social status and this time period That’s worth 5 percent more than pounds.

Happy Birthday!!!! Congratilations ❤❤❤❤❤

Great video. Excellent analysis. The way you pronounce income/incomes makes me smile a little. Inkums ✌️

I would love to see a comparison between Mr. Darcy's income and Mr. Bennett's income. Or between the dowries of Miss Darcy, Miss Bingley, and either of the Miss Bennetts. Such a fascinating subject!

I don't think it was the main reason but she's a shrewd cookie and the idea of financial security would have been attractive even it had been less than 10 grand

It seems that in the A&E version of the story that Elizabeth admits that her change of heart toward Darcy began with her visit to Pemberley.

Wickham could have had an update on the Darcy's finances from Georgiarna Darcy when he was trying to elope with her...?

Cute like ask😁. Thoroughly educational and enjoyable.

You're killing me with that cliffhanger!!! I've been wondering that exact thing for months!

Hi Ellie, it’s been a while since I watched this video so I’m not sure if this is the appropriate place for it-however, I’m reading another regency era series the Poldark books. In one of the very last books that talks about how some of the ancient families did not necessarily want a title because it would be considered gauche, so just thought I’d pass that along and incidentally if you want a really good series to watch on Masterpiece that series is truly a masterpiece-I like it better even then all of his books.

I greatly enjoyed your video. I found your discussion of Darcy's possible income based on inflation to be especially enlightening. I look forward to watching more of your videos!

I just found your channel, what fun!!! I am going to enjoy watch the other episodes. I have been a fan of Jane Austen’s books for years. I really enjoy hearing about the times they were written.

Thanks for the great video. I love the historical background you gave us. Good job.

Here's a video of which I have no context to, but am still definitely going to watch

Congratulations on your KZfaq-iversary!!! Your channel is an absolute delight and one of my very *very* favorites!!! 😇❤️ (PS Your outfit is adorable, as always! I’d love to know where you find so many cute pieces 🤩😌)

Other sources for people of this time were sources from colonization, overseas ventures such as plantations and explorations. These people were incredibly wealthy at the time.

Happy KZfaqiverssary!!! I love your channel and all your great, well-thought-out discussions and explanations of things. Looking forward to more videos from you in the future (how else can I practice genteel-ly hitting the like button, after all?). I especially appreciated your estimation of Mr Darcy's actual land holdings, and the fact that you cite some sources. I've been trying without luck for years to get an idea of what land was worth to landlords in that era, and the books/articles you list in the video description are bound to be a great start. So thank you!!! 💙💙💙 And, if you have any others of the sort to recommend, this history/lit nerd would be grateful. But mostly just keep up the good work and happy KZfaqiverssary 🎉

Youre videos make me want to read it!! ❤

So I have a couple of comments about the calculation (I don't think the answers in the video are wrong, but I wanted to bring a few things up), and then I will address the question at the end of the video. So, who started the rumor mill at the ball in Meryton? I could see a couple of personal sources, and also an impersonal source. Something that should be noted at the outset, though, is that the number bruited about by the rumors seems valid, so it's likely based on something. In terms of a person starting it, I think the most likely answer would be Caroline Bingley or her sister. We should never forget that she is actually nouveau riche for the time period, and so things like income would be more important to her as a statement of importance, she had a definite interest in revealing the information, and any contrary impulse (e.g., it's gauche to talk about it) would be lessened from the fact that she saw herself as above her company as well. Another possibility is that of Mr. Bingley. In this case, I would call it an instance of minor carelessness in talking. The last possibility is that the very fact of Darcy's appearance may have given many clues as to his worth. In modern times, you can tell a lot about someone's income/wealth based on what they wear. And we should recall that the income rumor is mentioned in connection to his overall appearance. As for the reliability of Wickham's testament to Elizabeth regarding the estate, I wanted to bring up a few things after the excellent discussion of the economics of the time. The first thing is that we know, by the end of the novel, that Wickham tried to elope with Georgiana the summer before (i.e., a few months) before he arrives in Meryton, and he _may_ have received somewhat better information regarding the estate worth from her. Even something as small as 'it's about the same'. Another thing to mention is that he may tell her 'a clear 10,000 per annum' because he knows his information is outdated, he knows that the general economic trend is upwards for property, and so this shows his knowledge. He would also be able to infer, as can the reader by the end of the book, that Darcy would not have been the kind of gentleman that would mismanage his property. Anyway, as to the question of the impact Darcy's income had on Elizabeth, it could not have been a primary, or even secondary, factor in Elizabeth's decision. The very idea of marrying someone 'solely for an establishment' is abhorrent to her, given her reaction to Charlotte's decision to do just that. The estate _itself_ (not its income) definitely did have some impact on her, as the text states, and it would have been the grounds, combined with the fact that Darcy was a good steward of his tenants, that would have recommended him to Elizabeth. Even ensuring that her family's needs would be seen to after her father's death was not a major issue, because their marriage was only secured (though obvious to anyone with knowledge) after Jane's marriage to Bingley had been secured. If the entire Bennett family could live on $2k a year, then they could have definitely done so on Bingley's $4-5k a year.

I had heard that Jane Austen had patterned Mr. Darcy on the bachelor Duke of Devonshire. This particular Duke had been in love with the future Lady Caroline Lamb and when she chose not to marry him, resolved to be a bachelor. He maintained a mistress in grand style but the Dukedom passed on to a relative. For reference, at that time 1 British pound was equivalent to 5 American dollars, so was a handsome sum. When the Duke of Richmond's daughters married in the 18th century, each was given an annual annuity of 10,000 thousand pounds a year. So, Darcy would have been living well but there were other wealthier peers.

Oh but Elizabeth would totally invest in that like button, she would love your videos lol

Admire your pleasant, informed & charming delivery of erudite information.

I am learning much from the videos of Ellie Dashwood.

Congrats on your KZfaqaversary!!

I love this well reasoned analysis!

I feel like Elizabeth was more moved by what he did for her sister and family than anything. Literally the hero in a novel lol. But I do think she was impressed by Pemberly and maybe thought that he had humbled himself some by asking a girl like her to marry him and not insisting on another very rich young lady.

I love your voice! Your intonation is so so nice. Usually i don't like women's voice bcs they're so loud n high pitched but ur voice is calming. P. S i'm also a lady

I love your audio-essays. 🙏👍

Thank you so much for this video! So helpful and fascinating! I've always wondered about the incomes in P&P 😂

A thought. Mr Bingley has just rented Netherfield Park in doing so the agent &/or the Attorney (remember Mr Phillips, Elizabeth’s uncle by marriage is also an Attorney) will have made enquiries about Bingley’s wealth & position so he’s seen as a suitable tenant for the estate’s owner. Mr Darcy is Mr B’s closest friend (we are told) & was probably with him on the visit to view the property. It’s also indicated in the book that B doesn’t do anything without his friend’s agreement or approval (as the later marriage plot shows) so it likely that enquiries were made about Mr D as well as Mr B by the agents. As you say Pemberly is described as a “noble” estate & the family connection with Lord Fitswilliam is presumably also known or easy to find out. So, taking all the above, I’d say the initial “gossip” came from the agents/attorneys to their fellows & thence their wives & servants to the people of Meriton. 🤔

Why it’s an issue if Mr Rushworth makes more than Mr Darcy? And would Mr Bingley as more new money since his wealth is from trade, have different percentages of investments than Mr Darcy?

Hi! I love your videos about pride and prejudice! I would love it if you could make a video about wether Mr. Bingley and his sisters are gentry? I am reading the annotated version, and i realized he doesn't have an estate, but he has a lot of money, and his sisters are such snobs!! Of course, you choose what you create, its just an idea 😅

Excellent analytics from the content of the book.

If Georgiana had a 30£ dowry(?) ... how does that relate here as well? It doesn’t seem that much compared to what her brother had in the long run.... It is interesting to think about it all with the historical context. Looking forward to the next video!

Fascinating breakdown. And yes, I will invest a like. 👍

For where the Rumor at the Ball started, I think the most likely explanation is that the Size of the Estate would be public knowledge (or at least public in high society) and for a given size of Estate, an approximate value could be determined - given some estimation and discussion by the Ladies present, I think that is the must reasonable explanation.

I think it effected how she saw him in the beginning. If you think about it she hated him for two reasons in the beginning one he insulted her and 2 he was in her opinion a typical rich dude that looks down on the lowly. I think she would be the hater of the 1% in our thinking now a days. I think she loved him in spite his money. She was not sure about that lifestyle and thought they were proud and above most people and she never wanted that for her or her kids.

I have a vague recollection of 10K or possibly 20K being treated in this or another Austen novel as being a conventional or notional amount - rather as we would say someone is a millionaire or billionaire now. However, my memory is not good - and this does not affect your fascinating discussion!

I’m not so sure that Wickham could have been a reliable source of information because when he told Elizabeth of the ten thousand pounds, he wanted to appear as the victim. What better way to say “oh woe is me!” than bragging about how much money the estate made? That way Darcy appears even more unfair because he is hoarding the money. It could be that Wickham also heard the rumors and played along while concealing the information he knew from his father

Judging by the 'title' or, in this case, the lack of it, Darcy's income is huge relative to his surroundings and acquaintances. He is not a marquis or earl or any other titled gentleman, he probably could have married a daughter of a nobleman based on his income alone. Lady Catherine de Bourgh (a daughter of a nobleman by birth, if i remember correctly) wants to marry her daughter to Darcy.