While the Victorians confronted the challenges of ruling an empire, perhaps the most dangerous environment they faced was in their own homes. Householders lapped up the latest products, gadgets and conveniences, but in an era with no health and safety standards they were unwittingly turning their homes into hazardous death traps.

Suzannah Lipscomb reveals the killers that lurked in every room of the Victorian home.

Suzannah Lipscomb reveals the killers that lurked in every room of the Edwardian home.

The 1950s British home was full of modern technology - but also unexpected dangers.