What Was the Population of London in 1840?

By Alice Nichols

London, the capital city of England, is one of the most populous cities in the world. However, it wasn’t always this way.

In 1840, London was still growing and developing. So, what was the population of London in 1840? Let’s dive into some history!

Introduction

At the beginning of the 19th century, London had a population of around one million people. By 1840, this number had increased significantly.

Overview of Population Growth in London

The population of London grew rapidly during the 19th century due to a number of factors. One significant factor was industrialization, which brought many people from rural areas into the city in search of employment.

Another contributing factor was the growth of the British Empire. As Britain expanded its colonies and territories around the world, more people migrated to London from these places.

The Population of London in 1840

In 1840, the population of London was estimated to be around two million people. This number represented a significant increase from just a few decades earlier.

At this time, London was already one of the largest cities in Europe and continued to grow throughout the remainder of the century.

Impact on Society

The rapid growth of London’s population during this time period had a profound impact on society. The city became more diverse as people from all over the world came to live and work there.

It also led to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in many parts of the city. This contributed to public health issues such as cholera outbreaks and other diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by 1840, London’s population had grown significantly due to industrialization and expansion of British Empire territories around the world. At this time, it was estimated that there were two million people living in the city, making it one of the largest cities in Europe. This growth had both positive and negative impacts on society and continued to shape London’s development throughout the remainder of the 19th century.