B: the local context of whitechapel

• What was the population of Whitechapel?

  30,000
• How many people were estimated to be homeless in Whitechapel?

  1,000
• What were the overcrowded slum areas in Whitechapel called?

  Rookeries
• How many people could live in one apartment in Whitechapel's rookeries?

  Up to 30 people
• What did the 1881 census reveal about occupied houses in Whitechapel?

  There were just over 4,000 occupied houses
• How did the housing in Whitechapel compare to wealthier parts of London?

  It contrasted sharply with large, comfortable houses
• What type of accommodation did lodging houses provide?

  Little more than a bed
• How many shifts did some lodging houses have for sleeping?

  Three eight-hour shifts
• What was a key cause of disease in lodging houses?

  Sharing beds between three people
• How many lodging houses were estimated to be in Whitechapel?

  Over 200 lodging houses
• What fraction of the Whitechapel population lived in lodging houses?

  A quarter of the population
• What was the sanitation situation in Whitechapel?

  Very poor sanitation
• What was a major issue with drinking water in Whitechapel?

  There was little healthy drinking water
• Where did sewers run in Whitechapel?

  In the streets
• What act did parliament pass in 1875 to improve housing?

  The Artisans’ Dwellings Act
• What was the purpose of the Artisans’ Dwellings Act?

  Part of a slum clearance programme
• What was the Peabody Estate?

  New blocks of flats in Whitechapel
• When did the Peabody Estate open?

  1881
• How many flats did the Peabody Estate provide?

  286 flats
• What was the starting weekly rent for a one-room flat in the Peabody Estate?

  Three shillings
• What was the most famous factory in Whitechapel?

  Bell Foundry
• What significant item was cast at the Bell Foundry?

  Big Ben
• What types of trades did many residents work in?

  Sweated trades like tailoring and shoe-making
• What were the work premises for 'sweated' trades called?

  Sweat shops
• How long were the working hours for some sweatshop workers?

  Up to 20 hours a day
• What was the employment situation for those working in railway construction or docks?

  Employment varied day by day
• What economic condition spread in the 1870s?

  Severe depression
• What were workhouses run by?

  Poor Law administrators
• Who did workhouses offer food and shelter to?

  Those too poor to survive independently
• What was the condition of workhouses meant to do?

  Discourage people from entering
• What was expected of inmates in workhouses?

  To do tough manual labour
• What happened to families in workhouses?

  Families were split up
• Who set up an orphanage for boys in 1870?

  1. Thomas Barnardo
• What did Dr. Thomas Barnardo later open?

  A girls’ home
• How many Barnardo’s homes were there by 1905?

  Nearly 100 homes
• What social issues were linked to overcrowded accommodation?

  Theft and domestic abuse
• What did unemployment and unreliable work lead to?

  Stealing and petty crime
• What other problems contributed to disorder on the streets?

  Alcoholism and prostitution
• What could often happen due to discontent in Whitechapel?

  Violent demonstrations