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
Bermondsey 1913
Report on the sanitary condition of the Borough of Bermondsey for the year 1913
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7
I.—VITAL STATISTICS.
Population. The populations of the Borough of Bermondsey and its registration sub-districts, as enumerated in the Census of 1901 and 1911, and the estimate for the year under report, are as follows:—
| 1901. | 1911. | Estimated to June 30th, 1913. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bermondsey | 82,483 | 81,959 | 81,833 |
| Rotherhithe | 38,460 | 35,247 | 34,477 |
| St. Olave | 9,817 | 8,697 | 8,429 |
| Borough | 130,760 | 125,903 | 124,739 |
As the Census is taken in April, it is usual to calculate the various
rates on the mean population, which is assumed to be that existing
at the end of June or the middle of the year under report. To
arrive at this it is therefore necessary to estimate for a further three
months, which in Bermondsey is assumed to be a decrease.
The decrease is partly due to the increased facilities of transit,
leading to a tendency on the part of the population of this, as well
as other central boroughs, to seek residence further out. This
is an object to be desired, since it is benefici0al alike to those going
and those remaining, for only in this way can sufficient space be
provided round houses and overcrowding on large areas be avoided.
If the demand for slum property ceased it would soon lead to its
abolition. Another cause of decrease is the replacement of small
house property by factories and warehouses as soon as the leases fall
in. This cause is slow but steady and will gradually displace the
population towards the periphery of the metropolis.
Births.
The total number of births registered in the Borough for the 53
weeks ended January 3rd, 1914, was 3,842, consisting of 1,939