Life in the slums of London during the 19th century was a harsh reality for many. The Industrial Revolution brought an influx of people into the city, leading to overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions. Let’s take a closer look at what life was like for those living in the slums of London.
Overcrowding
In the slums, entire families would be crammed into tiny one-room apartments. Often, multiple families would share a single room. This led to a lack of privacy and space, making it difficult to maintain any sense of cleanliness.
Fact: In 1841, there were over 20,000 people living in just one square mile of East London.
Poverty
Many people living in the slums were extremely poor. They often worked long hours in dangerous factories or relied on odd jobs to make ends meet. Children as young as six years old were sent to work in factories or coal mines to help support their families.
Fact: In 1842, the average life expectancy for a person living in the slums was just 16 years old.
Disease
The unsanitary conditions in the slums made disease rampant. There was no sewage system, and waste would often pile up on the streets. This led to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, and other deadly diseases.
Quote from Charles Dickens’ ‘Oliver Twist’: “The air was impregnated with filthy odours which seemed to arise from every quarter.”
The Workhouse
For those who could not support themselves or their families, there was the workhouse. The workhouse provided food and shelter but at a cost – residents had to perform hard labor such as breaking rocks or picking oakum (separating strands of rope).
Fact: Many families were separated upon entering the workhouse, with men and women being housed separately.
The Plight of Women
Women in the slums faced their own unique challenges. They were often responsible for caring for their children and maintaining the household, all while working long hours in dangerous factories. Many turned to prostitution as a means of survival.
Fact: In 1842, The Times newspaper reported that there were 80,000 prostitutes in London – many of whom worked in the slums.
Conclusion
Life in the slums of London during the 19th century was a harsh reality for many. Overcrowding, poverty, disease, and limited opportunities for women made it a challenging place to live. However, it is important to remember that despite these challenges, people in the slums found ways to survive and support one another.
- Sources:
- BBC Bitesize
- HistoryExtra
- British Library