The Arts in a Time of Turmoil: Mid 19th Century Victorian Literature

Thu Jun 18 2026 at 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm UTC-07:00

1490 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada, British Columbia V8S 1E8 | Victoria

Ross Bay Villa
Publisher/HostRoss Bay Villa
The Arts in a Time of Turmoil: Mid 19th Century Victorian Literature
Advertisement
On Thursday June 18th at 7:30PM, come to Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum for a dive into literature of the Victorian era. Listen to a lecture by heritage advocate and historical researcher, Dr. Nick Russell, as he explores the invention of steam power, the impact of railways, canals and factories, the horror of cholera and London’s “Big Stink,” the furor over slavery, child labour, the origin of species and more. These topics inspired and influenced Victorian literature, which was changing dramatically as the Establishment, the Church and authority were challenged.
What were Victoria’s residents reading in this mid-19th-Century time of turmoil? After all, the first owner of Ross Bay Villa, Francis Roscoe, was described in his obituary as “exceedingly fond of literature”. Tickets are $10 and must be booked in advance at the following link https://tinyurl.com/RBVicLit . All proceeds support Ross Bay Villa, a volunteer-run and owned 1865 historic house museum and gardens located in Fairfield across from Ross Bay Cemetery.
If you love literature, also come to Ross Bay Villa’s ‘Read-In’ on Sunday June 21st, 12-4. Bring a book (and a cushion) and read in the oasis of calm that is Ross Bay Villa’s Victorian garden. Drop in for a chat with others who seek escape from this modern world or quietly enjoy an afternoon among other book-worms. Free admission, tea and cookies by donation.
Advertisement

Event Venue

1490 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada, British Columbia V8S 1E8

Tickets

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Victoria

Mending Night: Parachute Stitch
Thu, 18 Jun at 05:30 pm Mending Night: Parachute Stitch

552 Johnson St

Women's Bike Mechanic Clinic
Thu, 18 Jun at 06:00 pm Women's Bike Mechanic Clinic

Bici Victoria / Broad Street Cycles

Goddess Temple ~ Sensuous Summer
Thu, 18 Jun at 06:30 pm Goddess Temple ~ Sensuous Summer

Church of Truth

John Butler with Band - Victoria
Thu, 18 Jun at 07:00 pm John Butler with Band - Victoria

Royal Theatre & McPherson Playhouse

Brew School - The Hoptometrist
Thu, 18 Jun at 07:00 pm Brew School - The Hoptometrist

Vessel Liquor

girl so in love: an olivia rodrigo night \ud83e\ude77 - victoria
Thu, 18 Jun at 08:00 pm girl so in love: an olivia rodrigo night 🩷 - victoria

Capital Ballroom

John Butler at McPherson Playhouse
Thu, 18 Jun at 08:00 pm John Butler at McPherson Playhouse

McPherson Playhouse

Petty Boy Osley - Halfway Home Tour : Victoria
Thu, 18 Jun at 09:00 pm Petty Boy Osley - Halfway Home Tour : Victoria

Lucky Bar

Meet people & remove invasive ivy & blackberry at Portage Park, View Royal!
Fri, 19 Jun at 09:45 am Meet people & remove invasive ivy & blackberry at Portage Park, View Royal!

Portage Park View Royal

Hartland Landfill & Recycling Facility Public Tour
Fri, 19 Jun at 10:00 am Hartland Landfill & Recycling Facility Public Tour

CRD Hartland Learning Centre

Victoria is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Victoria Events