At just 18 years old, Princess Victoria ascended to the throne on June 20, 1837, following the death of her uncle, King William IV. Her coronation took place on June 28, 1838 at Westminster Abbey. This marked the beginning of the longest reign in British history up to that time.

Victoria's early reign was significantly influenced by her first Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, who served as both political advisor and personal mentor to the young queen.

Charles Dickens published "Oliver Twist" in serial form between 1837 and 1839. This novel highlighted the harsh conditions faced by the poor in Victorian England, particularly the cruel treatment of orphans in workhouses.

The story's vivid portrayal of London's underworld and its memorable characters made it an instant classic and established Dickens as a leading literary voice of social reform.

The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations was held in the purpose-built Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London. Organized by Prince Albert, it showcased technological and industrial advancements from around the world.

This event attracted over 6 million visitors (equivalent to about a third of Britain's population at the time) and symbolized Britain's industrial and imperial dominance. The profits from the exhibition were used to establish the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

Britain, allied with France and the Ottoman Empire, fought against Russia in the Crimean War. This conflict was notable for several reasons:

• First war to be extensively documented in photographs
• Florence Nightingale's pioneering nursing work
• The disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade
• Revealed significant deficiencies in British military organization

The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1856, maintaining the balance of power in Europe but at great human cost.

Prince Albert, Victoria's beloved husband, died of typhoid fever at age 42. The queen was devastated and entered a period of deep mourning that lasted for the rest of her life. She wore black until her death 40 years later.

Albert's death removed a moderating influence on Victoria and marked a turning point in her reign. She withdrew from public life for many years, leading to growing republican sentiment before her eventual return to public duties.

At the suggestion of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India on May 1, 1876. This title formalized Britain's rule over India, which had been growing since the 18th century.

The British Raj (rule) in India became the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire, providing economic benefits and enhancing Britain's status as a global power. Victoria never visited India but took great interest in its affairs.

A series of brutal murders in London's Whitechapel district, attributed to the unidentified serial killer "Jack the Ripper," shocked Victorian society. The crimes highlighted:

• The poverty and overcrowding in East London
• Ineffectiveness of police methods at the time
• Sensationalism in the growing newspaper industry
• Victorian attitudes toward women and prostitution

The case remains unsolved and continues to fascinate criminologists and historians.

Celebrations were held across the British Empire to mark Victoria's 60th year on the throne. The Diamond Jubilee emphasized Britain's imperial power and Victoria's status as a unifying symbol of the empire.

By this time, Victoria had outlived many of her contemporaries and become a matriarchal figure. Her reign had seen Britain transformed from a primarily agricultural society to an industrial and imperial superpower.

Queen Victoria died on January 22, 1901, at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, aged 81. Her reign of 63 years and seven months was the longest of any British monarch until surpassed by Elizabeth II in 2015.

Her death marked the end of an era that bore her name. She was succeeded by her eldest son, Edward VII, beginning the Edwardian period. Victoria's funeral was one of the largest gatherings of European royalty ever seen, reflecting her status as the "grandmother of Europe" through her children's marriages.