The confession book became fashionable and a splendid exhibit and source of amusement at family gatherings, in the Victorian era. The small talk at the afternoon tea parties was often around disclosure contained within its pages and in an age of approval and disapproval these confessions were so often endearing.

The method of setting out of the questions, one after the other, with inviting lines for the answers was a bait which no member of a Victorian family could resist and a simple question such as: ‘What is your favourite flower?’ was often sufficient to cause the confessor to become involved in a series of questions from which there was no polite escape. None the less, there is undoubtedly a good deal to be said in favour of a revival of the confession book, as it is fascination, often amusing and generally harmless.

The confession book is a valuable reminder of past times and memories. Our likes and dislikes change; traditions become a thing of the past, we make new friends, live in a constantly changing environment with developing technology and to cope with this we form new habits. Our senses today are touched by things undreamed of in the days of our ancestors.

A mid-Victorian would never have stated that his greatest dislike was the sound of his neighbour’s stereo system. The young ladies of the sixties never experienced the thrill of instant and varied communication by mobile telephone. The righteous young man of those days would never had to avert his eyes from the young lady in the skimpy dress, nor would they dare to offer to light a cigarette for a stylish short haired female.