A Victorian printer talks excitedly about the forthcoming Great Exhibition of 1851 and the displays on offer, in this short Key Stage 2 history video.
The Great Exhibition was staged to enable Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, to show off Britain. It took place in a crystal palace in south London that was purpose-built for the occasion.
Primary pupils can hear how the exhibits on display included the first basic fax machine, the world's largest diamond and Britain's first public toilets.
Useful websites
Channel 4: The time-traveller's guide to Victorian Britain
A Channel 4 educational website with information about industrialisation and innovation during the Victorian
The British Library: The Great Exhibition
A slideshow of images showing scenes from the Great Exhibition
Victorian Station: The Great Exhibition
Article detailing Victoria's marriage to Albert and his role in establishing the Great Exhibition
