Impact of local and national government on public health, early modern Britain

Question 1

how did local authorities try to improve the urban environment

Answer 1

• they were aware that clean streets would improve public health
• people in York were told to clean the area outside their houses and not put waste for scavengers outside until after 7pm

Question 2

how did towns improve after 1670

Answer 2

• In London, water companies brought pipes water into people’s homes however only the rich could afford this
• Local authorities made big improvements to town centres - streets were paved and lit with lamps
• Conditions did not improve in the poorer areas of towns and privies and cesspits were still a feature of life

Question 3

how did alcohol become a health problem

Answer 3

• Drinks became stronger and cheaper
• Ales and Guinness were very popular and were darker and stronger than traditional ales

Question 4

what years were the gin craze

Answer 4

1720-1751

Question 5

why did the craze for gin begin

Answer 5

because it was cheap and allowed the consumer to escape from a dull life

Question 6

what were some consequences of the gin craze

Answer 6

increase in crime, the ruin of many families and a big increase in the death rate

Question 7

how did the gin craze affect women

Answer 7

many women became addicted as well as men and some drank whilst pregnant which led to disformed babies

Question 8

how effective was forcing ale houses to carry a licence

Answer 8

not very as there were many smaller and unregulated ale houses

Question 9

what year was the first Gin Act and what did it do

Answer 9

Gin Act 1729, introduced a £20 licence fee for sellers and a 25p tax per gallon for produces

Question 10

what year was the second Gin Act and what did it do

Answer 10

Gin Act 1736, increased the licence fee to £50 and the producers tax to £1

Question 11

what year was the third Gin Act and what did it do

Answer 11

Gin Act 1751, imposed harsh punishments on anyone selling illegal gin