Queen Victoria (1837-1901) came to the throne at the age of 18.  This era only lasted for one lifetime, but it is the period where Britain achieved the height of its power.

The achievements in the Victorian era came from those established in the earlier Georgian era.  Victoria inherited a large empire and during her reign it was to nearly double in size and included huge territories in Africa.

The colonial expansion during this era made this country economically and industrially powerful.  By the end of Victoria’s reign most of the population had moved from rural to urban living and were involved in manufacturing.

New developments were made with the switch to urban living.  New metalled roads appeared as did running water and street lighting.  There were improvements in medical procedures and the development of antiseptics and anaesthetics.  Cheap fuel was available for lighting and cooking, brought about by the expansion of the coal industry.  Railway lines enabled the fast transport of people and goods between the expanding cities.

During this period Charles Darwin came up with a new theory of evolution and it was realised that humans had evolved from apes.  This and other discoveries meant that for the first time in history science replaced religion as the main source of knowledge about the natural world.  Another discipline called Archaeology was developed to help dig up this past.