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11
Proceedings that have been carried into effect by the Vestry,
for the Removal of Nuisances, and the Improvement of
the Sanitary condition of the Parish.
The Medical Officer of Health reports as follows:—
During the year ending on the 27th December, 1862, 3287 deaths
and 5528 births were registered. During the same period, the deaths in
all London amounted to 66950 in a population of 2,859,778, being in the
proportion of 1 death to 42 persons living, or at the rate of 2.349 per
cent. In the Eastern Districts of the Metropolis, of which Shoreditch
forms a part, and which it most nearly resembles in the character and
density of population, the deaths were 15007 in a population of 571,158,
or 1 in 38, being at the rate of 2.592 per cent. The deaths in Shoreditch
amounted to 3,287 in a population determined by Census in 1861
to be 129,339. Estimated on this basis, that is, assuming that there has
been no increase of population since the Census, the death-rate would be
1 in 39, or 2541 per cent., a rate exceeding that of the Metropolis at
large, but comparing favourably with that of the Eastern District to which
Shoreditch belongs. Since the Census was taken on the 8th April, 1861,
a considerable number of houses have been demolished, to make room
for improvements and railway structures. In this way some check must
have been experienced to the former steady increase of population.
But since the registered births during the year exceed the deaths by 2241,
it may be assumed that Shoreditch has advanced in population in at
least the same ratio as London generally; and if, as may fairly be done,
the deaths of 225 persons which occurred in St. Luke's Workhouse be
deducted, there will be presented a mortality of 3062 in a population
estimated for April, 1862, at 129,529. This will give a death-rate of 1 in
42, thus bringing Shoreditch up to the standard of all London. This
result must be regarded as satisfactory, for Shoreditch, undoubtedly,
contains a larger proportion than other parts of the Metropolis of labouring
people and struggling poor, compelled by their necessities to live and
die in the close dwellings and impure air of the town.