The Victorian era in England was a time of great contrasts, as the country experienced rapid industrialization and scientific advancement alongside widespread poverty. Queen Victoria ruled from 1837 to 1901 during the height of the British Empire. Notable developments included the growth of cities and factories during the Industrial Revolution, major scientific and medical discoveries, and the works of prominent English writers like Charles Dickens. However, social classes remained deeply divided, as the working classes and poor faced difficult living and working conditions. Women also experienced inequality and lacked many legal rights during this traditional period of English history.