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
St Giles (Camberwell) 1889
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Camberwell]
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THAT the population of your Petitioners' Parish, and of the Parishes and Unions of Lambeth, Newington, St. George-the-Martyr, St. Saviour Southwark, and St. Olave, which comprise the greater part of South London, have increased during 10 years from 1871 to 1881, as follows:—
| Name. | 1871 Census. | 1881 Census. | Increase. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camberwell Parish | 111,306 | 196,593 | 75,287 |
| Lambeth ,, | 208,342 | 253,699 | 45,357 |
| Newington ,, | 87,722 | 107,850 | 20,128 |
| St. Saviour's Union | 175,049 | 195,163 | 20,115 |
| St. Olave's ,, | 122,398 | 134,632 | 12,234 |
| Total | 704,817 | 877,938 | 173,121 |
THAT the population of these Parishes since the
taking of the last census in 1881, has still further increased,
and that of your Petitioners' Parish is now estimated at
over 250,000, with a rateable value of £1,032,763 and
37,700 Assessments.
THAT your Petitioners recently received a Memorial
from the "Peckham Rye Extension Scheme Committee,"
consisting of influential local residents, directing their
attention to the inadequacy of Peckham Rye Common,
and to the needs of the large population which has sprung
up during recent years in its vicinity. Peckham Rye
Common, being the only open space within a very large
area of South London available for cricket and other games,
is now often so crowded by those in pursuit of recreation,
that, week by week, serious accidents occur, and there is a
positive danger to passers-by on the public highway. Having
regard to the fact that a very large proportion is monopo-