A few landmarks on Victorian Britain

The Victorian period of the United Kingdom refers to Queen Victoria's reign which began in June 1837 and ended in January 1901. Under the rule of Queen Victoria, Britain enjoyed a long period of prosperity. The British Empire, as well as the industrial revolution, allowed a large, educated middle class to develop.

The period is often characterized as a long period of peace, known as Pax Britannica, and economic, colonial, and industrial consolidation, often disrupted by wars. Towards the end of the century, the policies of New Imperialism led to increasing colonial conflicts.

In the early part of the Victorian period, the House of Commons (the lower Chamber of the Parliament)  was dominated by the two parties, the Whigs and the Tories. From the late 1850s onwards the Whigs became the Liberals even as the Tories became known as the Conservatives

The Industrial Revolution had already occurred, but it was during this period that the full effects of industrialization made themselves felt, leading to the mass consumer society of the 20th century, not only in Britain. This is also the period when the railway network developed all over the country.

Science also developed throughout the period, and many Victorian gentlemen devoted their time to the study of natural history.

Life in the cities changed a lot, since gas lighting became widespread during the Victorian era in industry, homes, public buildings and the streets. Hundreds of gasworks were constructed in cities and towns across the country. In 1882, incandescent electric lights were introduced to London streets.

The Victorian era became notorious for employing young children in factories, mines and as chimney sweeps. Several Factory Acts were passed to prevent the exploitation of children in the work place. Children who were brought up with poor families would only go to school till the age of eight and were then forced to go to work. Of course, school was not free in Victorian times, so only the well-off could afford it.

 For a complete survey of the Victorian era, see the Victorian web.

Photos: The Victorian Web