The Victorian City: Past, Present and Future?

Module code: HS7211

The Victorian era saw great changes in the cities of the United Kingdom. Fuelled by advances in technology, huge factories sprung up, and farmworkers made redundant by new technologies poured in to staff them. Populations exploded, leisure facilities sprung up to serve the influx of new workers and the new railways connected cities like never before. These changes have stood the test of time, and continue to influence urban planning today.

In this module, you'll explore the specific social, economic, cultural and political forces that shaped the Victorian city. You'll investigate the different ways artists, writers and intellectuals have represented and interpreted Victorian urbanisation, as well as the changing cultural and political reputation of the Victorian city in the twentieth century.

You'll also take a closer look at the conservation of Victorian urban locations, including the ever-changing methods, approaches and strategies employed by administrations and conservationists.