London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Finsbury 1900
Some notes on the housing question in Finsbury...
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| Address. | Registered Owner. | Registered Number. | Average Attendance. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerkenwell Green, 35 | J. H. Clayton | 87 | 80 |
| Middle Row, 14-16 | Cornelius Holland | 39 | 34 |
| Do. 18 | Do. | 39 | 34 |
| Old Street, 97 | Wm. Cragg | 82 | 75 |
| Pentonville Road, 19 | Mr. Callagher | 23 | 20 |
| Do. 21 | Do. | 36 | 30 |
| St. John's Lane, 34 | Mrs. Hensman | 55 | 40 |
| Whitecross Street, 97 | James Shuttleworth | 83 | 76 |
| White Lion Street | Do. | 98 | 90 |
| 542 | 479 |
Causes and Effects of Overcrowding.—The subject
of the cause and effect of overcrowding has been so frequently dealt
with that it will not be necessary to discuss the matter in detail. It
is now generally recognised that the causes of social phenomena are
complex and cannot be reduced to exactness, or even in many cases
defined. The following may be named as among the chief agencies
bringing about overcrowding in London :—
(1.) Immigration. — The large migration to London from the
provinces is probably mostly due to industry and to the prosperity
of London. It should not be forgotten that there is also, especially
in Finsbury, foreign immigration. (2) The population of London,
therefore, increases in addition to its excess of births over deaths,
and the increase is greater in proportion than the increase in
habitable houses. Hence there comes to be an inadequacy of
dwelling houses, largely due to inadequate building. This does not