1837 Queen Victoria becomes Queen at the age of 18. 1840 The first postage stamps (Penny Post) came into use. 1840 Queen Victoria marries Prince Albert. 1842 The Mines Act stops children under 10 from working in the mines. 1844 The Factory Act stops children between 8 and 13 working more than 6.5 hours a day. 1850s The first post boxes were built. 1851 The Great Exhibition opened at Crystal Palace by Prince Albert. Census showed just over half of Britain's population (of 20 million) lived in towns 1851 Ice Cream is invented by Jacob Fussell, in the USA. 1854 Crimean War 1854 A cholera epidemic led to demands for a clean water supply and proper sewage systems in the big cities. 1856 Britain defeats Russia in the Crimean War. 1860 The first public flushing toilet opens. 1861 Death of Prince Albert from Typhoid. 1863 The first underground railway is opened in London. The foundation of the Football Association. 1868 Joseph Lister discovers disinfectant. 1868 The last public hanging. 1869 The first Sainsbury's shop opens in Dury Lane, London. 1870 Education Act means school for everyone. 1871 Queen Victoria opens the Albert Hall. 1876 Alexander Bell invented the telephone. Primary education was made compulsory. 1877 The first public electric lighting in London. 1880 The Education Act makes compulsory schooling for all children between five and ten. 1883 First electric railway. 1887 The invention of the gramophone. 1891 Free education for every child. 1901 Queen Victoria dies. Her son, Edward VII, becomes King. Population of Britain 40 million.