Luis Cabello Victorian Period Timeline By luiscabello17 Feb 1, 1837 Charles Dickens publishes Oliver Twist in periodical form. Oliver Twist is one of the most famous novels Charles Dickens ever wrote. it was published in feburary, which was finished two years later. Jun 20, 1837 Victoria becomes queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Victoria became queen at the age of 18, after her uncle king willian IV died Jan 1, 1843 William Wordsworth becomes poet laureate. Jan 1, 1845 Potato famine begins in Ireland Jan 1, 1846 Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning elope Jan 1, 1847 Charlotte Bronte publishes Jane Eyre; Emily Bronte publishes Wuthering Heights. Jan 1, 1847 Ten Hours Act limits the number of hours that women and children can work in factories. Jan 1, 1850 : Alfred, Lord Tennyson becomes a poet laureate. Jan 1, 1854 Japan opens trade to the West. Jan 1, 1861 The US civil War