The Victorian era was when Queen Victoria was on the throne, from 1837-1901, but what was everyday life like for the ordinary people living in the 1800s? During the Victorian era many advances were made - railways, factories and the police force for example. But it was not all easy. Children had to go to work and the poor were sent to workhouses. It was a time of great change in Britain. Bandstands became popular and it was common to hear a brass band while walking through the parks. But the cities were dirty and disease was common.