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Event Description
22nd July
Trouble at Mill: Life in the Victorian Factories - William Blake's allusion to the 'dark satanic mills' of Victorian Britain sparks considerable debate. Was Britain engulfed in smoke and pollution from factories? Did workers truly 'face mortal danger every day', live in slums, and endure harsh treatment by mill owners? This discussion aims to examine the real conditions of Victorian factories, scrutinize the dynamics between workers and factory owners, and delve into the reasons behind the formation of trade unions and their accomplishments. Join us as we venture into the Victorian factory to uncover what happened in the 19th Century factory.
29th July
Stephenson's Horses: The Victorian Railway, Industrial and Social Change - The nineteenth-century expansion of Britain's railway network was a transformative era for the nation. British engineers emerged as global trailblazers, and this talk will examine their pioneering efforts. We will delve into the significant contributions of engineers like Hackworth, Stephenson, and Trevithick, and explore their roles as engineering giants. Furthermore, we will investigate how small firms grew into colossal railway enterprises that helped unify Britain during the Victorian era. The talk will also examine how the new railways changed British society and helped create opportunity. What does the local Fish and Chip shop have to do with the Victorian Railways? Find out in this talk.
5th August
Living in the Slums: The Experience of the Victorian Working Class - When we think of the 'Working Class' in the nineteenth century an image of abject poverty, slums and exploitative employers springs to mind. Television programmes and history books often portray the same image. But was this really the case? Who were the working class in the nineteenth century and why are historians now starting to talk of an 'Upper' and 'Lower' Working Class? Did they all live in poverty, and were poorly educated and illiterate or was something else more the truth? Were 'Mill Owners' all exploitative and were working conditions terrible for everyone who worked in industry? Find out more in this talk as Industrial Historian, Dr Richard Marks, reveals the truth about the lives of the Victorian Working Class.
12th August
An Eclectic Extravaganza: Victorians at Leisure - The nineteenth century saw a shift towards shorter working days and increased leisure time. This talk will delve into the consequences of this shift. We will investigate the growing popularity of theatres and music halls among all the social classes. We will uncover the wide array of Victorian pastimes, from collecting cigarette cards and trainspotting to indulging in botany and science, as well as some very unique parlour games. Find out more about how the Victorians spent their time away from work. Join us as we journey through Victorian Britain.
- Duration: 60 mins x 4
- Online Zoom event: Join from your computer, phone or tablet (a recording will be available)
Meet the Host, Richard Marks
Dr Richard Marks is an experienced published historian, researcher, lecturer and tutor with expertise in manufacturing and social history, the Industrial Revolution, Victorian Britain, railway, and military history. He has authored a number of history books and has further books in progress including a series of heritage travel guides. Richard has a background in technology and business, and has worked as a consulting historian for various museum exhibitions.
Richard’s PhD looked at the relationship between railways and the industrial and economic development of rural counties in the 19th Century.
He is known for his engaging communication style, making complex topics accessible to all audiences.
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