Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
The annual report made to the Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich for the year 1902
This page requires JavaScript
Report on the Reinspection of Greenwich Market Area.
To the Chairman and Members of the Public Health Committee.
Gentlemen—
I beg to inform you that, in company with Inspector
Nettleton, I have made a reinspection of this area, and find
that in a general way, a great many improvements have been
effected. The old dilapidated roof over the Market proper has
been taken down, and a smaller roof of lighter construction put
in its place. This roof is not carried over the causeway in the
front of the shops around the Market, and therefore, the improvement
in the way of light and air to these premises and their basements
is very considerable. The cooking-ranges which were fixed
in the basements, thereby inducing the occupation of these basements
as living-rooms, have been removed, and, accordingly,
many of them are now used for storage purposes, and as wash-
places. Water has also been laid into the Market, so that it can
now be thoroughly cleansed. The whole of the Market premises
have also been further improved by painting, cleansing, and whitewashing.
Taken seriatim, I find that in Turnpin Lane, three of
the worst premises on the south side have been closed, notably
including one which was used as a factory, having a gas engine in
the basement, and was altogether in a most unhealthy condition.
The various other minor sanitary defects have also been attended
to at these premises. In Church Street, the private owners have
effected sanitary alterations at three shops (Nos. 14, 16 and 18).
The ventilation has also been improved at No. 20. At No. 32
certain points have been dealt with, but nothing has been done to