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Victorians – Later Victorian Age Years

In response to the poor living conditions of the working class and poor segment of the Victorian Age English population, Parliament passed laws in 1848 that allowed the city councils to improve the streets and housing of England. Proper sewers and drains were installed, and factory houses were required to meet set standards of construction. Streets were cleaned and paved, and gas lighting was added. In an attempt to rid the cities of slums, in 1875 these unsafe and unhealthy areas were torn down and more acceptable housing was built. Although this did improve the overall living conditions of the towns, many of the slum residents could not afford the nicer housing and had nowhere to go once the slums were torn down. This caused an influx of people to the impoverished areas that still existed.

A network of railways was built in England during the Victorian Age. The railways provided the English with goods from other parts of their country, as well as transportation. Many people found employment with the railway system or as laborers who built the system.

The horrible working conditions common in the coal mines were recognized by many, and The Mines Act was passed in 1842. This law forbade women and children from working in the mines. Many schools were built and opened during the Victorian Age, and by 1870 most children between the ages of five and thirteen attended some type of school. By 1891, free school was available to all English children, and all children were required by law to attend school by 1901. This brought about a decrease in young children sent to work in the factories.

The Victorian Age was a time of innovation and technological advances. The Great Exhibition, the first World’s Fair, was held in London in 1851. The exhibition featured industrial technology from England as well as many countries from around the world. Approximately six million people visited The Great Exhibition during its run from May to October.

By the end of the Victorian Age, more people were earning decent wages and were working fewer hours. Even the working class was now able to enjoy leisure activities. Sports became more popular as entertainment and as a means to good health. Rules were established for the popular games of football, cricket, and boxing. Lawn tennis, cycling, and croquet were also enjoyed by many. The theatre, music and opera were other forms of entertainment popular during this era.