Housing in London


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Housing in London

Housing in London: After the Industrial Revolution, a large number of people began to migrate to London. But the factory or workshop owners did not accommodate the migrant workers. Individual landowners put up cheap and unhealthy tenements for the workers.

In 1887, a survey conducted by Charles Booth revealed that 1 million Londoners were very poor and were expected to live only upto an average age of 29 (compared to the average life expectancy of 55 among the gentry and the middle class). The condition of the slums was very unhealthy. Thus, Booth concluded that London needed the rebuilding of at least 400000 rooms to house its poorest citizens. Gradually, a large number of people began to recognise the need for housing for the poor. The one-room houses occupied by the poor were a serious threat to public health as they were overcrowded, badly ventilated and lacked sanitation. Poor housing system could create fire hazards, which could engulf other areas in the fire disaster. Over the 19th century, the elites became increasingly worried about drunkenness. Gradually, a Temperance Movement developed to fight the evils of drinking.

Why did housing become an important concern for the people of London in the early 20th century? State measures to be taken to solve the problem.

  •  After industrial revolution, people started coming in London on large scale.
  • Poverty was more concentrated and visible in London.
  • Due to following reasons housing became an important concern for the people of London

  • Houses in which poor people lived were overcrowded, had no ventilation or sanitation. These were serious threat to public health.
  • There were possibilities about fire hazards created by poor housing.
  • After the Russian Revolution in 1917, there was a fear among rich that the situation might lead to social disorder and rebellion.
  • Some measures to be taken to solve the problem were

  • Worker's mass housing schemes were planned.
  • One million single family cottages were built.
  •  
     


    Students / Parents Reviews [20]