Victorian LondonIn 1837, Victoria became queen at the age of 18. The time while she was queen is called the Victorian era. At this time, London was the heart of a powerful Empire. The city was busy with trade and industry, and it grew fast. Better lighting, plumbing and transport developed, too. By the time Victoria died in 1901, London was a very different city.

Ships on the ThamesIn Victorian times, the River Thames was crowded with ships. Sailing ships were replaced by new steam-powered ships or “steamers”, many of which were built in London. People took trips in “penny steamers” along the river.Other ships brought goods to London from all over the Empire. Huge new docks were built for them. Nowadays, these docks are used by pleasure boats. The old dock buildings have been turned into offices and apartments.

New buildings

Much of modern London was built in Victorian times. Hundreds of new houses were built as the city grew. Many grand buildings, such as Saint Pancras Station, date from Victorian times, too.

Slum houses

Poor people often had to live in run-down “slum” houses. Children had to make money by begging or sweeping chimneys. In 1870, a law was passed saying all children had to go to school.

Railways

The railways changed London forever. Journeys became much quicker, bringing many parts of Britain within reach of the capital. People could live outside London and travel to work in the city by train.

The UndergroundIn 1863, the world’s first Underground railway opened in London. It was powered by steam and ran between Paddington and Farrington. This was the start of the Underground system we use today.