Victorian London

During the 19th century, London was transformed into the world's largest city and capital of the British Empire. London became a global political, financial and trading city. The city grew wealthier and wealthier. Nevertheless, not all that glitters is gold. London was also a city of poverty where millions lived in poor unsanitary conditions in overcrowded slums. This was immortalised by writers like Charles Dickens, as you all very well know.

19th century London was transformed by the coming of the railway. A new network of metropolitan railways allowed for the development of suburbs in other areas of the country.

The Metropolitan Police was also established to cover the entire area of London. A massive system of sewers was constructed at the end of the 19th century because one of the main problems during this century was the polluted drinking water which was pumped into the Thames from raw sewage. This polluted water brought diseases and epidemics. When the London sewage system was completed, the death toll in London dropped dramatically.

Many famous buildings and landmarks were built during the 19th century including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament or Tower Bridge.

All in all, the 19th century was a period of turmoil which pretty much shaped London as we know it nowadays.