The History of Victorian Medicine
When Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837, Britain’s medical practices were still steeped in ancient traditions – echoes of Roman remedies lingered in an age on the brink of seismic change. This talk charts the dramatic evolution of healthcare during her reign, as scientific breakthroughs and philosophical shifts began to challenge centuries – old beliefs. We’ll uncover how the Industrial Revolution reshaped surgery and hospital care, expose the grim underworld of body snatchers and anatomical theft, and follow the determined rise of doctors, surgeons, and nurses as they fought for professional status in a rapidly modernising society.
This is the last of three talks in the Winter Potpourri Talks Series. The other talks take place on 22nd January and 26th February. You may book tickets for individual events or for all three talks in the series for a reduced price. Â
To book
Pre-booking is required, because the event link will be sent in advance.               Â
To join this talk, you will need a computer device with speakers. Ideally, also a webcam and microphone. You also need to be able to access the internet from it. First-time users of Zoom, will be asked to download a small piece of software, which will be sent in advance. Â
Image: Martin Ridley, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.Â
To book – scroll down.
Date
- Thu 26 Mar 2026
Time
- 14:00 - 15:15
Tickets
- £5.00
Category
Organiser
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The Centre - Berkshire FHS
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Email
booking@berksfhs.org.uk -
Website
https://berksfhs.org/branches/
Speaker
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Dr Richard MarksIndustrial, Military and Railway HistorianRichard is a published historian based in Berkshire who specialises in industrial, military, and railway history and also the history of science. His current areas of research are industrial development in the Victorian period, the development of the railway and canal systems in Britain in the mid to late 19th Century and the history of British Rail. He has a PhD in economic history. Richard’s books on British Rail Engineering and the Wantage Tramway Company were both both published by Pen and Sword in 2024.