View report page

38
that the rate of decrease has been more rapid in each
succeeding decade:—
1841, resident population 37,407
1851 „ „ 26,406
1861 „ „ 35,324
1871 ,, „ 33,619
1881 „ „ 29,941
1891 „ „ 24,993
The decrease within the last ten years is partly accounted
for by the demolition of a large quantity of closely occupied
property for street improvements, such as the formation of
Shaftesbury Avenue, and the widening of Little Pulteney
Street. At the same time, the continued increase in the
rateable value of the Parish clearly shows that another
cause of the diminishing residential population of the
parish is in operation, viz., that buildings formerly occupied
as dwellings are being replaced by warehouses and business,
premises commanding a higher rent. As the centre of trade
extends, this condition of things must be expected to continue,
just as the increasing volume of trade has converted
the City of London, at night, from a populous place to little
more than a city of caretakers.
The following figures give the number of inhabited
houses and inhabitants in each of the four wards of the
Parish:—
Houses.
Inhabitants.
Pall Mall Ward
493
3,682
Church Ward
604
3,742
Golden Square Ward
654
6,436
Great Marlborough Ward
841
11.133
Total
2,592
24,993