Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

Rookeries of London

Book cover
By: (1815-1864)

Rookeries of London by Thomas Beames is a fascinating exploration of the slum areas of 19th century London. Beames delves into the squalid living conditions, overcrowding, and poverty that characterized these neighborhoods, providing a vivid and detailed picture of life in the rookeries. The author's descriptive writing allows readers to truly imagine the filth and misery experienced by the inhabitants of these areas.

Through firsthand accounts and historical research, Beames paints a bleak yet compelling picture of the social issues plaguing London during this time period. He also discusses the efforts made by philanthropists and social reformers to improve conditions in the rookeries, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of those fighting for change.

Overall, Rookeries of London is a gripping and thought-provoking read that offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by the urban poor in Victorian England. Beames's detailed research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of poverty and social reform.

Book Description:
Rev. Thomas Beames was a preacher at St. James, Westminster in London. He compiled his own eye-witness accounts of the most notorious of the slum areas, the Rookeries. In this essay, he passionately discusses the effects of poverty and the mistreatment of the poor and working classes. Much of what he says is still valid today; for example, in discussing over-population and emigration, he mentions the mis-use of land in Britain: "... large tracts of land, such as in Derbyshire, seem only valuable as grouse preserves. Such as in Scotland are parcelled out in deer forests, and the like . When the population is so superabundant, these things should not be ; it savours too much of feudal times, and in the neighbourhood of these hunting grounds, game laws are rigidly enforced ..." The author has added an interesting postscript about the effects of the Great Fire of London.

Note: Section 7 of the recording consists only of some tables of data with regard to the use of public baths and laundries.


Stream audiobook and download chapters






Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books