The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution took place mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries, where industry developed rapidly and people began to use machines in factories to produce goods, rather than manual labour as they had done previously. The greatest changes were in the cotton, coal, and iron industries.

During this period of time, many small and previously unimportant market towns became large, thriving towns and cities, due to the increased productivity and trade which was brought about by the Industrial Revolution.

As a result of this industry, many people moved from the countryside into the towns and cities, in order to make their fortunes or find work more easily, and this caused great increases in urban populations in the 19th century.

Frequently, the changes which occurred in towns during the Industrial Revolution were due to improved communications, canals, railways, and trade ships.

All the cities, towns and counties marked on the map to the left are hot-clickable. Please click on the specific map area for further information.