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ways by which the School can be approached, not one of them is convenient.
The first, or most direct, is by Castle Alley. This is a very narrow thoroughfare,
leading from Whitechapel High Street, which is entered by a covered
way, several feet in length and only about three feet in width. Owing to
the frequent deposit of filth in this narrow passage, and from its defective
ventilation, it is generally in an offensive condition. This alley contains an
area, including the space on which the houses [stand, of about 1496 square
yards, and has a population of 347, consisting of the very poorest class, each
person having an average space of only 4 square yards. Some of the houses
on the east side of this alley are very old, and so badly constructed that, a
few years ago, I presented a report to the Board, under the Artizans and
Labourers Dwellings Act, stating that, in my opinion, the said houses were
unfit for habitation.
On my report being referred to the late Mr. Fricker, the Surveyor to
the Board, some alterations under his direction were carried out by the landlord,
and my report was necessarily withdrawn. These houses have been
still further improved, but, owing to the defective ventilation of this part of
Castle Alley, they are far from being in a satisfactory sanitary condition.
The eight houses on the west side of the court are very old—the walls
and flooring of the cellars are wet, and a most unwholesome smell comes
through the floors of the lower rooms, which renders such rooms unfit for
habitation. The privy of each house is in the cellar, the nuisance from
which, there being no other means for its escape, ascends by the staircase, and
makes its way into every room of the house. It is almost impossible for the
tenants of these houses to keep the rooms clean, for the houses are three
stories high, the privies in the cellars, which are difficult of access, and the
water supply is in the court. As there are no sinks in the houses, all the dirty
water must be either carried down four flights of narrow stairs to the privy,
or thrown into the open court.
In conformity with the 12th section of the Artizans and Labourers
Dwellings Act, four householders, living near to this alley, have represented
to me, in writing, that the said eight houses are in a condition or state dangerous
to health, so as to be unfit for human habitation.
In compliance with this representation, I have specially inspected the
said houses, and I confirm the opinion as above expressed, and have reported
my opinion thereon to the Board.
The second way by which this School can be approached is through
New Castle Street, the entrance to which is also from Whitechapel High
Street, and is situated only a few yards to the east of the opening leading to
Castle Alley. The entrance to New Castle Street is likewise under an arch,
formed by a very old house in High Street, and is only of sufficient width to
admit one carriage at a time ; and, at the north end of the street, there is a
small, narrow, arched passage, which leads to the School. The third way
by which access to this School is obtained, is at the north end of Old Castle