The Victorian era of British history (and that of the British Empire) was the period of Queen Victoria 's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death, on 22 January 1901.he Victorian era marked the golden age of the British circus. Astley's Amphitheatre in Lambeth, London, featuring equestrian acts in a 42-foot wide circus ring, was the epicentre of the 19th century circus.