William Tyler
Education and Health: A Story of Progress
Summary
Education and health became subject to progressive legislation during the Victorian era. The Education Act of 1870 revolutionised primary education in Britain, and at the same time advanced democracy.
Legislation was also passed on public health, including on water supplies and housing. Infrastructure was established including hospitals; workhouses, where many people suffering from ill health were placed; and mental asylums. Advances in science allowed for additional progress in the field of medicine.
New advancements took professions to new heights resulting in increased employment opportunities for Victorian women.
William Tyler
William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.
Yes, yes, that’s true. Because they had to do something. You don’t have to take a Marxist interpretation of history to understand that, in the 19th century, they also felt they were on the edge of a precipice. French Revolution, 1848, year of revolution, 1917 Russian Revolution. They feel that if they don’t do something, the underclass will rise up. That’s true. But they also felt in 19th century Britain through a resurgence of religious belief, which was very practical in terms of Christianity now practical Christianity, that you had to do something for those who were less well off. Those of you who are Jewish have already commented upon the Jews’ commitment to that. And that is, as it were, a given.