London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Willesden 1896

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]

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(32)
I again visited it at night on the 11th. There were
then 250 men in the place, lying asleep on the floors
and on balconies, with their boots and jackets for
pillows, and others resting their heads on the tables.
The place was decidedly overcrowded, and the
ventilation insufficient.
The premises in question were quite unsuitable
for the purposes to which they were put, having
originally been sanctioned by the Willesden Local
Board as baths and wash-houses.
Proceedings were accordingly taken under section
33 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act,
1890, against the Association for allowing a building
to be used for the purposes of habitation, not originally
sanctioned as such, and for not providing the
air space required by the Bye-Laws.
The Magistrate before whom the case was heard
inflicted a fine of £5 and costs.
Notice of appeal was given by the defendants,
but was subsequently withdrawn, and the use of the
premises for habitation purposes discontinued.