SOCIAL CONDITIONS

THE VICTORIANS IN WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

The Victorian Era (1837-1901) saw huge changes, not only in the United Kingdom, but also within West Dunbartonshire.  From the creation of new towns in the Vale of Leven for workers involved in the world famous Turkey Red dyeing industry, the glassmaking of Dumbarton and the shipbuilding on the Clyde which eventually created Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire became an area of industrial power.

Transport improved with the popularisation of railways, the first railway in the area was the Caledonian and Dumbartonshire railway, from Bowling to Balloch, in 1850.  This new transport brought people to work in the local industries, perhaps the best known station was Singer, built to serve the new Singer sewing machine factory, brought to Clydebank in 1882.  Social conditions became better with new health laws, increasing life expectancy and more time for leisure activities.  By the end of the Victorian Era, West Dunbartonshire contributed to the Empire with its internationally renowned shipbuilding and printing and dyeing, and was an important part of the “Workshop of the World."