York didn’t become highly industrialised like other cities during the 19th century. In truth it could easily have stagnated if it hadn’t been for the arrival of the railways. It is hard to overstate their impact on the city: they brought in jobs and industry in the carriageworks; they allowed York’s confectioners to develop into national and international businesses; they created a tourism boom; and they even changed the political landscape.
The Victorian age also saw the introduction of many other aspects of modern society, from the police force to the conservation movement. It was a time when York became a learning city with new schools, colleges and libraries.
But York’s royal connections had long diminished. During her long reign Victoria stepped foot in York ten times only – and that was only at the railway station en route to her beloved Balmoral.
Victorian City Plan
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