London’s Health

1905_death_rates_Wellcome

A great new resource has just been released by the Wellcome Library. They have meticulously scanned “Medical Officer of Health” reports for London between 1848 and 1972. These offer fascinating insights into the health of the city and since they contain personal accounts by the Medical Officers and statistical data in the form of graphs, tables and maps. The reports can be viewed online or freely downloaded and will offer an excellent resource for those interested in the past health of London.  Our favourite features are their many maps- such as the one above that shows death rates in 1905. The map, like several we have featured, demonstrates the persistent east/ west split in the health, wealth and wellbeing of Londoners.

 

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