Victorian Britain

Victorian Britain witnessed significant advancements in science, technology (including the steam engine), engineering, and medicine, as well as political and social change due to the second Industrial Revolution. Here are some examples of the research, talks, and courses available on Victorian life, business, and technology. Contact Richard about these topics or enquire about other relevant subjects in this area. 

Richard Marks is leading a new in-person course at Oxford University Department of Continuing Education. Over 10 weeks, students will investigate the lives of the men and women who propelled Britain to become the industrial titan of the nineteenth century.

Talks can be in person (location dependent) or online. Full details of all my talks on SpeakerNet 

A Barber and a Surgeon: Medicine in Victorian Times

Stephenson's Horses: The Victorian Railways

Trouble at Mill: Life in the Victorian Factories

An Eclectic Extravaganza: Victorians at Leisure

The Great Western Railway in Victorian Berkshire

Biscuits for Queen Victoria: The Story of the Early Days of Huntley and Palmer

Arrival of the Railways in Reading

"The question time afterwards just went on and on which shows what interest you sparked with your presentation." 

Workshops can vary from two hours to a full day session. 

Rails to the West: The Great Western Railway 

Victorian Science

Courses are typically two hours per session and can vary in length up to 10 weeks depending on requirements.

A Day in the Factory: Life, Welfare and Leisure during the Industrial Revolution  

• "Great course, which was very well taught. The wealth of information and visual material was exceptional "

The History of the Science and Engineering of the Railways from Victorian Times to the Present  

• "Richard was a very good presenter & clearly very knowledgeable on the subject of railways. He sought to engage us at all times"

Steam, Steel and New Horizons: The Victorian Railways in Britain

• "An excellent 10-week course, well-conducted by Richard, who is a terrific communicator"

A Healthy Britain: Victorian Medicine 

• "I enjoyed this course so much and gave me a deeper appreciation of the Victorians and their changes and achievements to the medical field. "

Industry in Victorian Berkshire