The Victorians

Transport

The railway age was a direct result of developments in steam, coal and iron. The first passenger railway was opened between Stockton and Darlington in 1825. by 1850 Britain was criss crossed by a network of railways.

The early railways had magnificent stations, and led to amazing achievements in the construction of bridges and tunnels.

Railways provided tranport for raw materials for the factories, food for its workers and a means of moving people about the country far more quickly than ever before.

The coming of the car brought the dominance of the railways to an end.

Which of Birmingham's stations is shown opposite?

Click on the picture for an answer.

Despite the development of the steam engine the merchant sailing clipper reigned supreme through much of Victorian times.Clippers were designed for driving through bad seas. In favourable weather could notch up as much as 400 miles a day.

Smaller clippers would race from China to bring back the new season's tea crop and make London in ninety days. The delay in turning over to steam was caused by problems with re-fuelling with coal.

The invention of the iron screw propeller saved fuel and gave the ship more thrust but still sailing ships had the advantage of paying nothing for the power that worked them. It was not until 1904 that Britain launched more steam than sailing ships.

What powered the sailing ships?

Bicycles were being developed through the early part of the nineteenth century. Velocipedes with pedals on the front wheel, penny-farthings, tricycles......... a huge variety of machines were on the market by the middle of the century.

The modern safety bicycle with two wheels was created in 1885.

Bicycle riding started as a craze but they became a cheap mode of transport for the ordinary working man. A means of travelling a little bit further to get a job, or find a wife!

They also began a revolution in women's clothes.

What do you think the trousers were called the lady is wearing?