Abstract
The adjective ‘Victorian', often appended to words to describe a way of life, thought, culture and politics, sprang from the reign of Queen Victoria, who ruled over Great Britain from 1837 to 1901. She was the longest reigning monarch in British History. The Victorian period was a prosperous period for Great Britain and its Empire, during which this island nation emerged as the most powerful country in the world.
At the end of the 19th century, the British Empire had extended its borders to the far reaching corners of the globe and Victoria was the most powerful sovereign of her time. It was also a prosperous period for Arts. However, this period was also marked by a huge gap between the rich and poor classes.
Born as Alexandrina Victoria in 1819, she ascended the throne in 1837 after the death of her uncle, William IV. Three years later, she married her cousin Prince Albert, and, together they raised nine children. In 1861, her husband died at the age of 42 from a bout of typhoid fever, following which she wore black for the reminder of her life in mourning for him.
In 1877, she was crowned Empress of India. In 1887 she celebrated the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne with a banquet featuring royal kings and princes from across the continent. Following a reign of nearly 64 years, Queen Victoria died in 1901,leaving her son Edward VII as the heir and future king of England. Although she didn't play any major political role, her popularity among the masses was irrefutable. She was considered as the grand-mother of Europe, as her children and grandchildren married into the royal houses across Europe.
Tags: Victorian England, Political institutions in England, Literature during Victorian Era
