What Was London Like in the 1700s?

By Michael Ferguson

The 1700s marked a significant period in London’s history. It was a time of growth, development, and change. Let’s take a closer look at what London was like during the 1700s.

Population and Infrastructure

Population: London’s population in the 1700s was around 600,000 people. It was one of the largest cities in the world at that time.

Infrastructure: The city had narrow streets, and buildings were constructed close to each other. The sewage system was inadequate, and waste disposal was a problem. There were no proper drains or sewers in London until the early 19th century.

Social Life

Social Classes: The society in London during the 1700s was divided into social classes. The upper class consisted of aristocrats, wealthy merchants, and landowners while the lower class comprised of laborers and factory workers.

Entertainment: Theaters, coffee houses, and public gardens were popular entertainment options for people during this era. Gambling dens and brothels were also prevalent in certain areas of London.

Economy

Trade: London’s economy relied heavily on trade during the 1700s. The city had thriving markets selling goods from all over the world.

Industries: Industries such as shipbuilding, woolen textiles, and printing flourished during this period.

Culture

Literature: Some of England’s greatest literary works were produced during this era by writers such as Jane Austen and Samuel Johnson.

Art: Artists like William Hogarth produced paintings that depicted everyday life in London during the 1700s.

The Dark Side

Poverty and Crime: Poverty was a significant problem in London during the 1700s. The city’s poor lived in slums and struggled to make ends meet. Crime was also rampant in the city, with theft and robbery being common.

Disease: London was plagued by outbreaks of diseases such as smallpox, typhoid, and cholera during this era. The lack of proper sanitation facilities contributed to the spread of these diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, London in the 1700s was a city of contrasts. It was a hub of trade, culture, and entertainment but also plagued by poverty, disease, and crime. Despite its drawbacks, London continued to grow and prosper during this era and laid the foundation for the modern metropolis we know today.