The Victorian Greats

Taking place during Queen Victoria's reign, the Victorian era was between 1837 to 1901. It was a period of progress, with the British Empire growing stronger not just on an economic level, but also in the arts, sciences, and ways of thinking. Here are 20 important historical figures from this moment in time who made incredible impacts across various fields.

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1. Queen Victoria

The reason why it's called the Victorian era to begin with, Queen Victoria was the ruler of the British Empire from June 20, 1837 to January 22, 1901. Remembered as an innovative leader who oversaw many crucial changes to the country during her reign, she is mainly credited with restoring the image of the Crown which royals before her time had tarnished. There's no doubt she played a pivotal role during this era.

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2. Lewis Carroll

While the name Lewis Carroll might not ring a bell for you, we're certain the words Alice and Wonderland will. This iconic author and poet is best known for writing Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. His amazing creativity and ability to create the most fantastical worlds has given his novels a timeless quality that will continue to live on. 

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3. Thomas Hardy

Both a poet and an author, Thomas Hardy was a talented individual born on June 2, 1840. Though he has written numerous works, his most famous are Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. Said to have been critical of the Victorian world he lived in, he questioned the limitations of social classes and identity. This is easily seen in his writing as many of his characters demonstrate some sort of struggle against society.

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4. Charles Dickens

Arguably one of the greatest literarists ever, Charles Dickens is a famous name many are familiar with. From A Christmas Carol to A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations, he's one author that is still being studied in literature classes to this day. Though he had a rather complicated life, working in a factory when he was just 12 years old to support his family, he will forever be remembered for his amazing novels. 

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5. Charles Darwin

Another famous Charles on this list, Darwin was a biologist from the Victorian era that is most recognized for his theory of evolution and natural selection. In 1838, he began building his study that believed strong individuals adapt and carry on their successful genes, while those who were weak would slowly fade out of existence. Darwin's amazing contributions to the field were so groundbreaking, they're still applied to studies today.

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6. George Stephenson

An engineer way beyond his time, George Stephenson is often seen as the "Father of Railways" for his memorable work creating the first railway engine. As the man who pioneered rail transport, we all have him to thanks whether you just love trains or ride one regularly. Many see his inventions as some of the greatest in history.

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7. Florence Nightingale

Sometimes referred to as "The Lady with the Lamp," Florence Nightingale made massive changes that forever improved our healthcare system. As the founder of modern nursing, she is responsible for creating better hygiene and living conditions that are crucial for human recovery. There's no doubt she is one of the most influential female historical figures in history. 

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8. Robert Peel

Not once, but twice the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1834 to 1835 and 1841 to 1846, Robert Peel is credited with founding the modern British police. In 1829, he created the Metropolitan London Police Force which people would refer to as "bobbies" or "peelers" in his honor. 

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9. Mary Shelley

If you've ever heard of Frankenstein before, then you know who Mary Shelley is. The author of the iconic gothic-horror novel, Frankenstein, alongside others works like The Modern Prometheus, Mary Shelley is seen as being one of the first to write in the science fiction genre. She sadly passed away due to brain cancer when she was just 53 years old in 1851. 

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10. Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Now that's a name and a half! Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an amazing civil and mechanical engineer that is best remembered for his work on the Thames Tunnel. He's often seen as one of the most brilliant engineers to ever exist in history. Some other staggering accomplishments of his include building numerous bridges and tunnels, the Great Western Railway, and steamships. 

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11. Charlotte Brontë

Known for creating the ultimate classic in English literature, Charlotte Brontë is the author of the acclaimed Jane Eyre. It is arguably one of the most successful female-written novels of all time, skyrocketing her into the hall of fame. Some other notable works written by her include Vilette, Shirley, and The Professor. Sadly, she passed away at the young age of 31 due to pregnancy complications.

Painted by Evert A. Duyckinick, based on a drawing by George Richmond on Wikimedia

12. Marie Curie

Let's just say Marie Curie was a woman of many firsts. Not only was she the first woman to ever win a Nobel Prize, she beat her own record by becoming the first to win it twice, and the only person to ever win in two different fields. And if that wasn't enough to convince you she belongs on this list, she also became the first female professor in 1906 at the University of Paris.

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13. Joseph Lister

If you or someone you know has ever undergone surgery, you can thank Joseph Lister for making it much safer than it once was. Born on April 5, 1827, Lister made unbelievable contributions to antiseptic surgery and preventive healthcare that reduced the number of post-operation infections. His fantastic work paved the way for him to be named the "Father of Modern Surgery."

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14. Elizabeth Browning

A Victorian poet born on March 6, 1806, Elizabeth Browning wrote amazing collections of poems and sonnets that continue to outlive her. Her greatest works include "How Do I Love Thee?" and Aurora Leigh, some of which influenced other prominent poets such as Edgar Allen Poe and Emily Dickinson. 

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15. Emily Brontë

Although Emily Brontë was only able to complete one novel during her unfortunately short life, it's so beloved that people continue to read it today. Wuthering Heights is an iconic tragic gothic novel that was published under her pen name, Ellis Bell. Sadly, she passed away just one year after it was officially published, meaning she was never able to fully see the impact of her writing. 

Patrick Branwell Brontë (died 1848) on Wikimedia

16. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The author of your favorite clever detective, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is responsible for creating the beloved Sherlock Holmes series. In A Study in Scarlet, which he wrote in 1887, it contained a full novel and 56 short stories about the fun adventures and mysteries of Sherlock and his sidekick, Dr. Watson. He clearly did something right if such a character continues to impact and influence current pop culture. 

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17. Alexander Bell

Let's just say you wouldn't be reading this on your phone right now if Alexander Bell didn't invent the first working, practical telephone. This Scottish-born inventor made many innovative contributions during his lifetime, including work in optical telecommunications, hydrofoils, and aeronautics. He also co-founded AT&T in 1885, one of the largest telecommunications companies around. 

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18. Oscar Wilde

A talented writer who worked across different mediums, Oscar Wilde wasn't just one of the most popular playwrights in the 1890s, he was also responsible for writing The Picture of Dorian Gray which is a beloved classic. Though his life was filled with many complications such as being convicted for indecent acts with other males, he will be remembered for his lively and witty personality. 

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19. Millicent Fawcett

Playing a large role in the women's suffrage, Millicent Fawcett wasn't just a writer, she was an unwavering and courageous leader. She was a strong activist that led the charge in women's rights, maintaining leadership of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies for many years. In honor of her achievements, she was the first to have a statue in Parliament Square. 

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20. John Stuart Mill

Born on May 20, 1806, John Stuart Mill was an English philosopher that became one of the most influential of his time. He made plenty of contributions to social and political theory, supporting forward thinking that included individual freedom and utilitarianism. 

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