Includes an event or diary entry for every day in the year, drawn from the whole of Victoria's reign. Some of these moments record history in the making, others are memorable because they describe things that seemed incidental at the time, but are brought to life by the intimate insight they provide into Victorian lives. Extracts include: 1 Jan (1881), the first postal orders were issued (1881) February 26 (1852), the Birkenhead is wrecked off Simon's Bay, South Africa, and about 600 troops go down, drawn up in perfect order on the decks 21 May (1894), the Manchester Ship Canal is officially opened by Queen Victoria 4 Sept (1854), passengers start a weekly newsletter aboard SS Great Britain as she sails from Australia to England 25 October (1854), the charge of the Light Brigade.