During Victorian times, the London social scene was historically referred to as the annual period when it was customary for members of the English social elite to hold debutant balls and large charity events. The British elite was dominated by landowning aristocratic and gentry families who generally regarded their county house as their main home, but spent several months of the year in the capital to socialize and to engage in politics. The most exclusive events were held at the town mansions of leading members of the aristocracy