what is george eliot telling the reader about the great changes that have taken place in lantern yard?what is the significance of the changes?

When Marner finds the spot where Lantern Yard once stood he is horrified: a massive factory building stands in his old community's stead. Marner turns to Eppie and says, "It's gone, child." He and Eppie spend the rest of their visit asking around town whether anyone remembers the days before the factory went up, but no one can tell him of Mr. Paston or any of the old congregation at Lantern Yard.