The development of the Victorian stone industry

The coronation of Queen Victoria in 1837 saw the start of perhaps the most dynamic and innovative period in Britain’s history. It was a period of massive industrial expansion and exploitation at home and abroad. The pace of this development was matched by a rapid growth in population. New towns and cities mushroomed around the main industrial centres. Agricultural and industrial practices went through a period of unprecedented change as the insatiable needs of this growing urban population had to be met. Our natural resources had to be exploited to their fullest extent to house this growing urban workforce. The quarrying of stone for building purposes was no different from any other industry at this time with activity in the quarries reaching a peak by the end of the century.