Victorian History Articles

The Victorian era, marked by the reign of Queen Victoria, was a time of industrial progress, social reform, and imperial expansion. Known for its strict social codes and moral values, this period also saw great advancements in technology and global influence.

On this day in history

62 - The Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum suffered an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of between 5 and 6. It caused severe damage and was probably a precursor to the Vesuvius eruption of 79CE.

1811 - The Regency Act was passed, allowing Prince George of Wales to rule instead of his mad father, George III.

1924 - The Greenwich Time Signal, more commonly known as the pips which broadcast at one-second intervals, was first broadcast.

1945 - Second World War Special Operations Executive agents Lilian Rolfe, Denise Bloch and Violette Szabo were executed at Ravensbrück concentration camp after being repeatedly interrogated and tortured.

1953 - Sweets were taken 'off ration' in Britain, eight years after the end of World War Two.

1971 - Apollo 14 landed on the Moon.