Victorian era: Conditions of the poor

In 1837 young Victoria began her reign as the Queen of Britain.  At age 18 she inherited the position from her uncle, King William IV when he passed away.  In 1840 she married the love of her life Albert and went on to have a total of nine children.  They became the model family for Britain.

Queen Victoria

Being the Queen her position and dwellings were far more grand than that of the common people of London.  During the Victorian era the population increased dramatically from 1 million in 1800 to 6 million in 1900.  Part of the population increase was due to people moving into the city in search of employment from poorer country area's.  This era is also known as the "Industrial Revolution" that seen the opening of factories and manufacturers.

While the rich were getting richer, the poor suffered.  Slums developed all over London with the lack of housing and accommodation for the increase of people.  Families lived in horrid conditions, in some homes there were 30 people in one room.  Many men, woman and children were forced to work in the dangerous factories doing hard labour for low wages.  Struggling to afford decent food many lived of dry bread, pork or cheese (not on a daily basis)  and were under nourished which lead to the spread of illness and disease.

The conditions of the poor were awful, not only did they endure terrible living standards, the upper classes blamed them for being in such a dreadful state.  Crime rates were high from the poverty and homelessness, the prisons overcrowded with petty criminals.  Children had it the worst and were subject to cruel treatment from family or in workhouses and industrial schools.  It was tough times for the poor children who often ran away from home to fend for themselves at a young age, with parents unable to support and feed them.

In the slum area's the stench was foul with sewerage which was dumped on the streets.  The lack of clean water lead to unsanitary personal hygiene and no healthy drinking water.  Its more than likely they resorted to drinking alcohol more than water.  The misery of the poor was often overlooked as Britain was at that time the wealthiest country.  In saying that there were some who endeavoured to help improve their situations.

My thoughts
I can only imagine living in such squalor, filth, poverty and disarray.  The unfairness of the treatment of poorer people was really in-human.  In this era although certain institutions were put in place to help they didn't have an accurate knowledge as to how they should be run so that people could benefit.  We can learn a lot from this era, especially from the conditions they endured and the from the mistakes that were made in trying to improve the situation. 

I find the Victorian era one that has many stories and I intend on finding out more.  I want to find a personalised story and wonder about my own ancestors who lived through the Victorian era.  I will be digging deeper into this subject at a later date!