But some architectural masterpieces from the reign of Queen Victoria have sadly been lost to time.
Grand hotels, stunning civic buildings and ornate market places are among the greatest works of the Victorian era which have sadly been demolished over the years.
Some fell victim to fire or to bombs, while others succumbed to architectural vandalism, in many cases being replaced by monstrosities.
All of these buildings are mourned by those who remember them.
Several were torn down in the face of huge public opposition, and there have been campaigns to replace what should never have been lost in the first place.
These lost landmarks include a record-breaking ‘palace’ which was dismantled and moved at great expense, only to be consumed by fire; a famous tourist attraction, described as the London Eye of the North; and some truly magnificent railway stations.
How many of these remarkable buildings do you remember, and which do you miss most?
f you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, you might like this retro photo gallery of lost railway stations, taking you back to the golden age of train travel.
9. Blackpool Central Station
This fine example of Victorian architecture opened in 1863, as Hounds Hill Station, before being renamed Blackpool Central in 1878. It began life as a relatively small terminus but was expanded significantly in 1901, after which it boasted 14 platforms. It sadly closed in November 1964, and part of the site was used as a bingo hall until 1973, when all the old station buildings were demolished. | National World Photo: na
10. Leeds Central Station
Leeds Central Station opened in 1854, and millions of passengers passed through this grand building before the last train departed on April 29, 1967. | Leeds Libraries Photo: Leeds Libraries
11. Portsmouth Power Station
Even power stations were beautiful when the Victorians built them. Portsmouth Power Station supplied electricity to the region from 1894 until 1977, when it closed. The twin chimneys were demolished in 1981, with the main building coming down the following year. | National World Photo: -
12. Sunderland Town Hall
Sunderland Town Hall, pictured here dressed up for King George VI's coronation day in 1937, opened in 1890. The Fawcett Street landmark was a stunning building, with a magnificent clock tower. But the city eventually outgrew its old town hall, which was replaced in 1970 by Sunderland Civic Hall. After plans to convert the much-loved Victorian building into a hotel fell through, it was demolished to make way for another hotel, which was never built. | National World Photo: Sunderland Echo