Although commonly used to refer to the period of Queen Victoria 's rule between 1837 and 1901 , scholars debate whether the Victorian period -- as defined by a variety of sensibilities and political concerns that have come to be associated with the Victorians -- actually begins with the passage of Reform Act 1832 . Scholars debate whether the Victorian periodâ '' as defined by a variety of sensibilities and political concerns that have come to be associated with the Victoriansâ '' actually begins with the passage of Reform Act 1832 .