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London Rat Catcher
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London Rat Catcher
A rat-catcher at work in the London sewers
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4387263
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10053982
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Rat-Catcher at Work in the London Sewers, circa 1850 This evocative image captures the grim reality of urban life in 19th century London, as a rat-catcher goes about his daily business in the city's labyrinthine sewer system. Dressed in waterproof clothing and wading through the murky depths, he clutches a long pole topped with a metal trap, his face a mask of concentration as he scans the water for signs of rodents. Rats were a persistent problem in Victorian London, with the city's overcrowded conditions providing ample food and shelter for the vermin. Rat-catchers like this man played a vital role in keeping the population's health in check, as rats were not only carriers of diseases such as bubonic plague but also spread typhus and other illnesses. The sewers were a particularly effective hunting ground for these pest controllers, as rats were drawn to the warm, damp environment and the abundant food sources that could be found there. The job was a dangerous one, with the risk of disease, flooding, and even drowning ever present. Despite the hazards, rat-catchers like this man were essential workers, and their services were in high demand. They were often paid on a commission basis, with landlords and property owners offering rewards for each rat caught. The rat-catcher's success was measured not just in the number of rats he caught but also in the size of the rodents, with larger rats commanding higher prices. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a window into the world of the rat-catcher and the vital role he played in keeping London's population healthy during a time when the city's sanitation systems were inadequate and rats were a constant threat.
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