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Seven Dials / Slums / 1850
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Seven Dials / Slums / 1850
A notorious London slum - the Rookery of St Giles, near Seven Dials, where even the police were at risk
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Media ID 576384
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10015107
1850 Dials Giles Notorious Risk Slum Slums
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the notorious Rookery of St Giles, a notoriously overcrowded and unsanitary slum located near Seven Dials in central London during the 19th century. The Rookery was one of the most infamous slums in St Giles-in-the-Fields, an area known for its squalor and social deprivation. The narrow, winding alleys and cramped living conditions made it a breeding ground for disease and crime. The photograph, taken circa 1850, offers a glimpse into the grim reality of urban poverty during this period. The crowded tenements, with their makeshift balconies and hanging laundry, are a stark contrast to the modern, orderly streets of today. The people in the photograph appear to be going about their daily business, oblivious to the prying eyes of the outside world. The Rookery was notorious for its lawlessness, with even the police hesitant to enter its labyrinthine streets. The area was ruled by criminal gangs, and violence and crime were commonplace. The lack of basic amenities, such as clean water and sanitation, only added to the suffering of the residents. Despite the efforts of social reformers and charities, the Rookery remained a blight on the city for decades. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the area began to be redeveloped, with the construction of new, more spacious housing and the demolition of the worst slums. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the harsh living conditions endured by the urban poor during the 19th century. It serves as a reminder of the importance of social reform and the need to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
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