London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Westminster 1858

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, The United Parishes of St. Margaret and St. John, Westminster]

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remarkably healthy year, as is shown by a reference to 1855
and 1854; thus in January 1855 there were 216, and 1854
205 Deaths : we may therefore fairly consider, that although
the death-rate is at present exceedingly high in reference to
the population, yet it has decreased as compared with previous
years.
The following is a corrected Table of the Births and Deaths
in each Parish, arranged as to sex.

REGISTERED BIRTHS AND DEATHS.

ST. MARGARET.ST. JOHN.Total of Births in 1 both Parishes.Corrected Table of Deaths in both Parishes.Deaths in 1857Deaths in 10 years average, including Increase for Population.Deaths more than 1 1857.Deaths less than 10 years average.
Births.Deaths.Births.Deaths.
MF.Total.MF.Total.MF.Total.MF.Total.
45469157591167652128432972219181171198.71017

The following Deaths occurred in the undermentioned places:—

Workhouses.Hospitals.Prisons.Barracks.
----
18Westminster 17House of Correction 2Hyde Park 1
Emanuel 1Wellington 1

A reference to the Table of Diseases gives the key to the
present increase in the greater number of Deaths, arising from
accident, scarlet fever and marasmus and atrophy; and an
examination of the addresses of Deaths arising from Zymotic
diseases, viz., hooping cough, scarlet fever and measles, points
to the area of the Vauxhall Road as where the greater number
of Deaths have occurred ; I have therefore by an examination
of this area, endeavoured to ascertain if any local cause existed,
but beyond the great offence arising from the termination of
the Scholar's-pond Sewer, I was unable to assign any special
cause for such a visitation. The houses are generally spacious,
well-ventilated, not overcrowded, and the drainage and watersupply
efficient; but although this examination was made on an
exceedingly cold day, the effluvium from the termination of
this Sewer was most sickly and offensive, and in my belief
decidedly detrimental to health; indeed I was informed that
early in the morning the emanations were of so serious a