Queen Victoria

Synopsis

'A wonderfully fresh, vivid and engaging portrait.' Jane Ridley, author of Bertie: A Life of Edward VII

'Has much of the abundant charm of its author.' Spectator

'The glory of this book is in the details.' The Times

'Worsley's command of the material and elegant writing style make this a must-read.' Publisher's Weekly

'An intimate glimpse.' Daily Mail

'An engaging portrait of the monarch.' i paper

'Provides a unique insight into this inscrutable monarch.' Choice Magazine

'In this lively, light-footed biography, just out in paperback, the popular TV historian Lucy Worsley looks at just 24 days of Victoria's 81-year long life to reveal unexpected sides to the monarch.' BBC History Magazine

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Who was Queen Victoria?

A little old lady, potato-like in appearance, dressed in everlasting black? She was also a passionate young princess who loved dancing. And there is also a third Victoria, the brilliant queen, one who invented a new role for the monarchy.

Victoria found a way of ruling when people were deeply uncomfortable with having a woman on the throne.

Her image as a conventional daughter, wife and widow concealed the reality of a talented, instinctive politician. Her actions, if not her words, reveal that she was tearing up the rules on how to be female. But the price of this was deep personal pain.

By looking in detail at twenty-four days of her life, through diaries, letters and more, we meet Queen Victoria up-close and personal. Living with her from hour to hour, we can see and celebrate the contradictions that make up British history's most recognisable woman.

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Young Queen

* Victoria ascends to the throne at the age of 18, a sheltered and inexperienced princess.
* Example: Victoria's diary entries reveal her excitement and trepidation upon becoming queen.

Chapter 2: Marriage and Family

* Victoria marries Prince Albert in 1840, a match based on love and affection.
* They have nine children together, who grow up to play important roles in British society.
* Example: The "nine royal children" photograph captures the close-knit family dynamics.

Chapter 3: The Crimean War

* Victoria's reign is marked by the Crimean War (1853-1856), a conflict against Russia.
* She becomes a symbol of national unity and support for the troops.
* Example: Victoria's "Angel of Crimea" painting highlights her involvement in the war effort.

Chapter 4: The Industrial Revolution

* During Victoria's time, Britain experiences rapid industrialization and urbanization.
* She supports technological advancements while also addressing the social problems they create.
* Example: The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased Victorian industrial achievements.

Chapter 5: The Indian Mutiny

* In 1857, a rebellion in India known as the Indian Mutiny challenges British rule.
* Victoria responds with harsh measures, but also shows compassion for the Indian people.
* Example: Victoria's letter to her granddaughter, the future Queen Mary, reflects on the complexities of the mutiny.

Chapter 6: The Loss of Albert

* Albert dies prematurely in 1861, leaving Victoria devastated.
* She withdraws from public life and enters a period of deep mourning known as "the Widowhood of Windsor."
* Example: Victoria's black mourning attire becomes a symbol of her grief.

Chapter 7: The Empress of India

* In 1876, Victoria is proclaimed Empress of India, consolidating British rule over the subcontinent.
* This title reflects her global influence and the expansion of the British Empire.
* Example: The Delhi Durbar of 1877 celebrated Victoria's new imperial status.

Chapter 8: The Golden Jubilee

* Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887 marks 50 years of her reign.
* It is a time of national celebration and recognition of her long service.
* Example: Victoria's procession through London during the Jubilee was a spectacle of British pomp and circumstance.

Chapter 9: The Death of a Monarch

* Victoria dies in 1901 at the age of 81, the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
* She leaves behind a legacy of modernization, empire, and national unity.
* Example: Victoria's statue at Buckingham Palace stands as a testament to her enduring presence in British history.