On this Victorian Melton Tour we will look at significant events from Melton Mowbray’s history during the period of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901.
The Victorian Era in British history began with major social and cultural challenges, but many positive reforms had occurred by the end of Queen Victoria’s reign.
During the Victorian era, Melton experienced significant growth and prosperity. The population significantly increased from approximately five hundred in 1840 to several thousand by 1901, a development attributed both to the introduction of the railway and to expanding employment opportunities within the equine industry and related trades.

As part of this Victorian Melton tour, we will look at the transport system when Melton became a key staging post on the Mail Coach routes such as the Leeds to London route along with many others. The introduction of the Syston & Peterborough Railway had a big impact on the town, especially the Melton Mowbray Navigation Company.
It was these routes that helped with the expansion of the pork pie and stilton cheese industry. We will also look at Victorian jobs such as chimney sweeps, child labour and lamp lighters.
The Melton Mowbray Town Estate played a significant role in providing town lighting and a fire engine.
We will also discuss how Melton Mowbray marked Queen Victoria and Prince Alberts visit to the town in December 1843 and how Melton celebrated Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.
Duration
120 minutes (2 Hours)
For the full list of current tour dates, see the events page by clicking here.
Tour Meeting Point: Military Working Dogs memorials outside Melton Borough Council, Parkside, Station Approach.
For full Terms & Conditions, please click here.
The Victorian Melton Tour can also be booked as a private tour so if this is something your are interested in, please send a message via the HistoryFare Contact page and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
To view my other Melton Mowbray tours, click here.
Is tipping included and if not, how much should I tip?
Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program here in the United Kingdom, and an expression of satisfaction with the guide who has assisted you on your tour.
Tips are not included in the tour price however, it is customary to tip tour guides £2-£5 per tour, though the amount is always at your discretion.
Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group.



