In England in the 19th century, in the upper and middle classes, it was expected that the grandparents would pass down wealth to the parents, who would pass it down to the children. Many "gentlemen" never worked a day in their lives -- they lived on inherited wealth. It was a scandal if the head of a family line squandered the family wealth, thereby cutting off the inhereted revenue stream.
In England in the 19th century, in the upper and middle classes, it was expected that the grandparents would pass down wealth to the parents, who would pass it down to the children. Many "gentlemen" never worked a day in their lives -- they lived on inherited wealth. It was a scandal if the head of a family line squandered the family wealth, thereby cutting off the inhereted revenue stream.
(post is archived)