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TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
December 6th, 1858.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—During the three weeks of November
ending the 13th, 20th, and 27th respectively, the temperature has
been unprecedentedly low; the thermometer having each week been below
the average for the last forty-three years.
This unusual severity of the season has caused a great amount of
additional sickness in the metropolis, and a very marked increase of
mortality; and, as usual under similar circumstances, it is the aged,
the very young, and the weak, sickly, and unprotected poor who have
suffered in the greatest degree.
The increase of deaths beyond the average for the corresponding
weeks, taking the entire metropolis, was 229, 403, and in the week
ending November 27th, 652, being an addition of about 30, 40, and
in the latter instance of 50 per cent, in the mortality. I am happy to
say that although we have participated in this increased sickness and
mortality it has been only in a limited degree, as, for the week ending
the 13th, our deaths were 25, the average being 25-2°; the next week
the deaths were 38, the average being 24, and during the following week
31, the average being 27; thus shewing an increase of only about 15 per
cent. As a proof that our comparative immunity from the consequences
of the late severe and inclement temperature is not accidental, but is
one of the advantages of the locality, I turn to the tables of the principal
northern districts, and find the strongest confirmation of the opinion
I have always entertained, that our sheltered position is peculiarly
favorable for the preservation of health and life during a low atmospheric
temperature; as an illustration, I take Hampstead, St.
Pancras, Islington, and Hackney, during the three weeks alluded to, and
I find the following result.
The week ending November 13th :—
Hampstead 6 deaths the average being 4
St. Pancras 120 „ „ 69.7
Islington 61 „ „ 41
Hackney 38 „ „ 21.3
For the week ending November 20th: —
Hampstead 5 deaths the average being 3.9
St. Pancras 130 „ „ 75.5
Islington 63 „ „ 40.5
Hackney 32 „ „ 21
For the week ending November 27th:—
Hampstead 4 deaths the average being 2.8
St. Pancras 137 „ „ 77.1
Islington 79 „ „ 49
Hackney 42 „ „ 23.3
It is right and proper that these facts should be generally known, for
many instances are in my recollection of persons afflicted with chest
affections, who, thinking that the northern side of the Metropolis would
afford them relief and a fresher atmosphere, and being also ill-advised,
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