Whitechapel Overview
Whitechapel, an area in East London, was known for its challenging living conditions in the 19th century. The district was a mix of extreme poverty and more respectable areas, attracting a diverse population including long-established residents and recent immigrants.
Highlight: Living conditions in Whitechapel 1888 were characterized by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and high crime rates.
The area was filled with lodging houses, many of which were overcrowded and in terrible condition. These "doss houses" were often cramped, with shared facilities that were inadequate for the number of inhabitants.
Example: In some lodging houses, indoor toilets were replaced by buckets and pots, which were often emptied out of windows, contributing to the unsanitary conditions.
Crime was rampant in Whitechapel, with thieves, drunkards, and prostitutes being common sights. Gangs controlled many of the streets, adding to the area's dangerous reputation.
Vocabulary: Rookeries - Slum areas characterized by dirt, disease, and crime.
The pollution in 19th century London significantly affected Whitechapel. The prevailing westerly winds carried smoke and gas fumes into the maze-like streets, creating a choking atmosphere. Sanitation was extremely poor, with limited access to clean drinking water and sewers often running into the streets.
Overcrowding was a severe problem in Whitechapel. Many houses were divided into several apartments, with up to 30 people sharing a single living space. This extreme density made movement within homes difficult and contributed to the spread of disease.
