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
Islington 1904
Forty-ninth annual report on the health and sanitary condition of the Borough of Islington
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In 1891, 4,755 two-room tenements were overcrowded; whereas in 1901,
there were 4,455, or a decrease of 300.
In 1891, 1,752 three-room tenements were overcrowded; whereas in 1901,
there were 1,662, or a decrease of 90.
In 1891, 743 four-room tenements were overcrowded; whereas in 1901,
there were 638, or a decrease of 105.
In 1891,15,150 persons were overcrowded in one-room tenements, whereas
in 1901, there were 11,772, or a decrease of 3,378 persons.
In 1891, 28,524 persons were overcrowded in two-roomed tenements,
whereas in 1901, there were 26,056, or a decrease of 2,468.
In 1891, 13,742 persons were overcrowded in three-room tenements,
whereas in 1901, there were 12,914, or a decrease of 828.
In 1891, 7,188 persons were overcrowded in four-room tenements, whereas
in 1901, there were 6,206, or a decrease of 982.
Altogether in 1891, there were 64,604 persons living in all "overcrowded"
tenements containing less than five rooms, while in 1901, there were still
56,948 persons, or 17-0 per cent of the population, so living, or a decrease
of 7,656.
These important facts are tabulated in the following statement:—
| 1891 | 1901 Decrease. | 1891 | 1901 | Decrease. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 room tenements | 4,057 | 3,314 | 743 | 15,150 | 11,772 | 3,378 |
| 2 „ ,, | 4,755 | 4,455 | 300 | 28,524 | 26,056 | 2,468 |
| 3 ,, ,, | 1,752 | 1,662 | 90 | 13,742 | 12,914 | 828 |
| 4 ,, ,, | 743 | 638 | 105 | 7,188 | 6,206 | 982 |
| 11,307 | 10,069 | 1,238 | 64,604 | 56,948 | 7,656 | |
The "overcrowding" that these figures represent is based on the definition
of that word as laid down by the Registrar-General, the meaning of which
I have already explained. I do not for a moment think it is a practical basis
to work upon, however desirable it may be, in Islington or elsewhere.
While I am of opinion that not more than two persons should under any
circumstances be allowed to dwell in a one-room tenement, wherein you must
recollect that food is prepared and cooked, clothes washed, and other domestic
duties undertaken, and also wherein people live as well as sleep; I am also of