(AQA) GCSE History for Similarity between 19th century and medieval London

Gemini Generated.

Core Similarity of Medieval Town and 19th-Century London

Both struggled with the challenges of a rapidly growing urban population before modern infrastructure (like proper sewage) was developed.

Medieval Sanitation System

Lack of proper sewage; waste dumped into streets (open drains), rivers, or collected in overflowing cesspits.

19th-Century London Sanitation System

Inadequate sewerage system where raw sewage was dumped into the River Thames, which was also a source of drinking water.

Contaminated Water (Medieval)

Wells and rivers easily polluted by cesspits, leading to diseases like dysentery and typhoid.

Contaminated Water (19th-Century London)

Water companies drew from the polluted Thames, leading to devastating outbreaks of cholera in the 1830s and beyond.

Dominant Health Belief in Both Periods

Miasma Theory (belief that disease was caused by 'bad air' or bad smells), which delayed effective health reform.

Built Environment (Medieval)

Cramped and congested with narrow and winding streets within the town walls.

Built Environment (19th-Century London)

Severely overcrowded older, central areas (tenements) where many families lived in a single room.

Source of Pollution and Stench (Both Periods)

Streets were filled with animal manure (from horses, a main form of transport), industrial waste, and sewage.

Specific 19th-Century London Air Pollution

Choked by coal smoke (smog) and the stench of the polluted Thames.

Key Problem of Urban Growth (Both Periods)

Overcrowding and rapid population growth occurred faster than the development of modern infrastructure.

Specific Disease linked to Medieval Contaminated Water

Dysentery and Typhoid.

Specific Disease linked to 19th-Century Cholera Outbreaks

Contaminated water drawn from the polluted Thames by water companies.

What are Cesspits (Medieval)

Pits used to collect sewage and human waste, which often overflowed and leaked into water sources.

The River Thames (19th Century)

The primary dumping ground for sewage, which became overwhelmed and polluted the city's water supply.

Medieval Street Description

Streets were often narrow and winding, contributing to congestion and restricting light/air.

Air Pollution Source (19th-Century London)

Coal smoke (smog) from factories and homes.

Street Filth (Similarity)

Both experienced streets filled with sewage, industrial waste, and high volumes of animal manure from horse-drawn transport.

Surgeons operated in…

Normal clothes

What flagship hippocratic theory did some people believe in..

4 Humours

What flagship greek theory that RFK Jr still believes in did some people still believe in?

Miasma

What type “medicine” that was sold in marketplaces did some people still buy?

Quacks

What home “medicine” did some people still believe worked?

Home remedies e.g. honey, dropwort and comfrey.

Housing is still..

close together

The sanitation is

poor

What 4 humours treatment is still practiced?

Bloodletting

What roman doctor did some still believe in?

Galen