Cardiff in the 19th Century: Public Health

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and concepts related to public health in 19th century Cardiff, including causes of poor health, key figures, and legislative acts.

Glamorgan Canal

Opened in 1794, it enabled coal to be transported from mines around Merthyr Tydfil to the docks in Cardiff.

Taff Railway

Opened in 1841, linking Cardiff and Merthyr, facilitating transportation.

Bute West Dock

Built in 1839 by the Marquis of Bute, it was a key development in Cardiff's port infrastructure.

Cardiff's Population Growth (1801-1901)

Increased from 1,871 to 164,333, becoming the largest town in Wales, driven by industrial growth and migration.

Cardiff's Coal Exchange

Set the price of coal for the British market, highlighting Cardiff's economic importance.

Public Health Concerns in Cardiff

Included poor housing, lack of ventilation and drainage, inadequate water supply, and narrow streets filled with rubbish and sewage.

Overcrowding in Cardiff

Particularly bad in areas like Herbert Street and Stanley Street; contributed to unhealthy living conditions.

Cardiff's Mortality Rate (1842-1848)

30 per 1,000, significantly higher than the UK average of 20 per 1,000, due to poor living conditions.

Cholera

An infectious disease usually spread through contaminated water, with a high mortality rate and symptoms including violent vomiting and diarrhea.

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water and food, often resulting in death.

Cholera Outbreak Management in Cardiff

Divided the town into districts, appointed officers to check for illness, opened dispensaries, and attempted to clean up waste.

Dr. Henry James Paine

A local GP who linked high death rates from typhoid to unsanitary conditions in Cardiff.

Public Health Act of 1848

Allowed towns to set up a Local Board of Health responsible for sewers, water supplies, and sewage systems.

Rammell Report, 1850

Identified health concerns like open sewers, unclean water, and poor housing, recommending improvements to Cardiff's public health.

Dr. Henry J. Paine (Medical Officer of Health)

Appointed Medical Officer of Health for Cardiff in 1853, overseeing improvements like a new sewage system and encouraging smallpox inoculation.

Cardiff Waterworks Act of 1850

Led to the laying of mains water pipes and the building of a pumping station, improving the water supply.

Cardiff Infirmary

Evolved from a dispensary in 1823 to a larger hospital to accommodate the rising population, renamed in 1885.

Public Baths and Wash Houses Act, 1846

Led to Cardiff Corporation taking over town baths, improving sanitation.

Sanitary Act, 1866

Forced local authorities to supply safe drinking water.