Victorian London facts for kids

In Victorian times, London was not the safe, happy place that we all know and love today. Instead, it was a dangerous world, with many murderers walking the street or lurking in the shadows of alleyways. Also, the water supply was not often clean - you never know what you might find lurking in a cup of water. Most of the water came from the sewers, having only been cleaned not very much or not at all. The buildings were a contrast of sizes and styles, with the rich owning the huge buildings, with the poorer people owning a shack or perhaps a small house.

Big Ben

Big Ben is the clock found inside the large tower that sits near the River Thames and houses of parliament. The term Big Ben actually refers to the bells inside the tower instead of the tower itself or the clock. Big Ben was built in the Victorian times and has remained here ever since.

Images for kids

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  Railway Map of London, 1899, from The Pocket Atlas and Guide to London

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  The Crystal Palace in 1851.

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  The Houses of Parliament from old Westminster Bridge in the early 1890s