Soho

Question 1

What was Soho known for in Victorian times?

Answer 1

• Was a slum known for poverty and crime, developed a reputation for seedy night life/sex industry

Question 2

Causes and consequences of huge population explosion (1-6 million) in Victorian London?

Answer 2

• Industrial revolution
• Most wealth went to bourgeouise, not to poor
• Households struggled, children sweeping chimneys
• Dangerous working conditions
• Raw sewage dumped into Thames

Question 3

Impact on QoL during Victorian London?

Answer 3

• Cholera/smallpox/typhoid widespread
• Life expectancy was 37 years
• Poor couldnt afford doctors

Question 4

Main threats and danger during Victorian London?

Answer 4

• Mainly young males - petty theft, drunkenness, homelessness
• Prostitution

Question 5

What was done about issues in Victorian London?

Answer 5

• Proper sewage systems on embankment
• Met Police founded in 1829
• Building new homes for working class
• Cholera mapping - better research, sanitation

Question 6

How have perceptions of Soho changed over time?

Answer 6

• Was seen as dangerous during Victorian era
• Now perceived as bohemian place: centre of UK fashion, base of LGBTQ+ community, West End, restaurants
• BUT recent gentrification may be changing this again