Industrialisation changed every aspect of rural life in the reign of Queen Victoria. It caused a greater diversification in industry which resulted in a decline in agriculture, and people moved from the country to the manufacturing towns in droves. In 1851 only half the population lived in towns but by 1901 three-quarters did so.

This book outlines the changes and why they occurred. It paints a picture of country life as it was when Victoria came to the throne and shows how a recognisably modern British way of life had established itself by the end of her reign. During that time...