Whitechapel, c. 1870 – c. 1900: Crime, Policing and the Inner City

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the conditions of Whitechapel from 1870 to 1900, focusing on housing, policing, crime, and societal issues.

What was the housing situation like in Whitechapel around 1877?

Overcrowded housing in slum areas (rookeries) with numerous people sharing small apartments, resulting in up to 757 people living in one rookery.

What was the Artisans’ Dwellings Act of 1875 designed to achieve?

It aimed to improve housing conditions by clearing slums to build new blocks of flats funded by George Peabody.

What was the primary purpose of Whitechapel workhouses?

To provide food and shelter for those unable to support themselves, such as the old, sick, and orphans.

What type of trades did many Whitechapel residents work in?

Many worked in 'sweated' trades like tailoring, shoe-making, and in sweatshops with long hours and low pay.

What were the conditions like in Whitechapel's slum areas?

Poor sanitation with pollution, sewage in the streets, and overcrowding leading to homelessness and crime.

Who was Dr. Thomas Barnardo and what did he contribute to Whitechapel?

He opened an orphanage in 1870 and established nearly 100 homes for children by 1905, providing a kinder alternative to workhouses.

What role did Irish immigrants play in Whitechapel's population changes?

They expanded the population by settling in the area, primarily working as laborers, but faced social challenges including violence and discrimination.

What were the Fenians known for?

They were Catholic Irish nationalists demanding independence from the UK, leading to anti-Irish sentiment and violence.

What issues did Eastern European Jewish immigrants face when settling in Whitechapel?

They encountered anti-Semitic attitudes and were culturally segregated due to differences in customs and dietary laws.

How was policing organized in Whitechapel?

Whitechapel was policed by H Division of the Metropolitan Police, which faced challenges due to the district's high crime rate and poor infrastructure.

What challenges did the police face in policing alcohol and prostitution in Whitechapel?

Drunkenness led to violence, and women turned to prostitution for economic survival, making them vulnerable to assault.

What was the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee?

A group of local businessmen frustrated by police inaction who took it upon themselves to patrol the streets and seek justice.

How did the media portrayal of crime affect policing in Whitechapel?

Media sensationalism, particularly during the Ripper murders, contributed to increased tensions and public scrutiny of policing effectiveness.

What was the issue of police manpower in London around 1885?

The Metropolitan Police had inadequate staffing, with only a fraction of officers available for duty at any time.

What was the Criminal Investigation Department's status when it was established?

It was initially a small and ineffective department, bereft of clear objectives regarding crime prevention versus detection.

How did the quality of police recruits affect law enforcement in Whitechapel?

The job was unattractive, resulting in variable quality of recruits, which impacted the effectiveness of policing.