It was not just significant civil engineering that marked this century for London, but many of the most iconic sights and attractions were created during this time. Famous landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster, Big Ben, The Royal Albert Hall and Tower Bridge can all give thanks to the innovative Victorians for their existence.
As a way to further assert London's dominance within the global scene, a Great Exhibition was laid on at Crystal Palace in 1851. This showcased Britain's imperial dominance and it brought in visitors from all over the Empire as well as other countries in the world. It was organised by eminent people of the time, one of whom was Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. He was a member of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce which existed to promote modern technology and design.
Very famous writers such as Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, Lewis Carroll and George Elliot attended this prestigious event. It is thought that the Great Exhibition was a way for Britain to show the world that it was a leading industrial nation as well as demonstrate to other countries that technology was the key to a better future.
In the 19th century, London's population really started to grow. This was fuelled by immigrants especially from Ireland who came to escape the abject poverty caused by the potato famine from 1845-1849. It is estimated that the Irish accounted for about 20% of London's population at one point. A sizeable Jewish population also settled in London, coming from areas of eastern Europe where they were subject to persecution. Asians and Chinese also came on trade boats, hoping to find a better life in the world's most affluent city.