The nineteenth century was a period of great social, political and industrial change in Britain.
It was a time of rapid population increase. Many towns transformed from small villages into sprawling urban centres.
This growth was catalysed by technological change, and the nineteenth century is often known as the 'Age of Steam'. Steam power enabled the development of railways and large factories, which produced cheap consumer goods.
Politically, the period saw growing pressure from middle- and working-class people to gain the vote for Parliament and to have their say about working conditions through trade unions.
The 'Three Bs'
Situated in central-southern England, Reading lies outside the great industrial areas of England, where many of these developments were felt most acutely. Nevertheless, the town was affected by national social and economic changes and it provides an interesting case-study for this period.
Reading was dominated in the nineteenth century by the Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory - an influence which was far more than just economic. However, other business also played their part in the development of the town. The town was best-known for the 'Three Bs': biscuits, beer and bulbs. Many people add a fourth industry - bricks. There were many brick kilns in the vicinity and the town today is characterised by large areas of handsome brick-built housing.
However, before considering Reading in the nineteenth century, we need to know something of the way in which the town developed in the preceding centuries by looking at the next section about Reading's earliest years.
