History - Industrial Revolution

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The growth of the cities

During the second half of the eighteenth century, a huge change began to take place in Britain. Driven by a unique set of circumstances including, but not limited to, growth in population and the opening up of export markets which both pushed up demand. The availability of raw materials, especially coal. Big advances in technology, including the steam engine, which allowed a less skilled, but much larger work force to become employed in the towns and cities rather than in the countryside. And improvements in transport infrastructure such as roads, canals and railways. By early part of the nineteenth century these changes were having an enormous effect on the social conditions of the population, as well as on the economic prosperity of the nation.

The legacy of the Industrial Revolution can still be seen in almost every town and city. If you are studying this amazing and fascinating period of British history with your class, there are lots of wonderful venues, dedicated to bringing these sights and sounds back to life for your children to experience first hand. All parts of the country were affected, and you will find educational resources in your own location, but if you wish to visit where it all began, a visit to Ironbridge or the Black Country is a real treat.

STEM and History Trips

Perhaps the best bit about Underfall Yard is that it is not a museum! Instead, it is a thriving boatyard where boats are built and repaired, and vital harbour management operations are carried out. As a working place (that is of course fully risk assessed), the site is a bit gritty, just the way our visitors like it! We are proud to offer school groups the chance to explore this unique place to find out about Bristol's fascinating maritime history and the science and engineering that made it possible. We are very flexible, and all visits are bespoke and designed to meet your needs. Visits are planned and led by an experienced Secondary Teacher, ably supported by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic Education Volunteers. As a charitable trust Underfall Yard aims to keep prices as low as...