Living Conditions in early modern Britain, 1500-1750 Flashcards
What were key features of living conditions in early modern Britain?
-Towns and trade grew, leading to overcrowding and poor sanitation
-Bad harvests caused hunger, although food became more varied for the rich
-Religious beliefs influenced health, with prayers and fasting being common responses to illness
-Parliament and government had more influence, though local officials handles public health
How did diet differ between the rich and the poor in early modern Britain ?
-Rich people ate a variety of meats, fish, diary, and food from overseas trade
-Poor people ate mostly bread, vegetables, and weak beer, with little meat
-Poorer diets led to health issues,including gut illnesses from spoiled food.
What were hidden health dangers in early modern Britain?
-Crowded, dirty streets spread bacteria
-Animals roamed freely, contaminating food and water
-Respiratory diseases were common due to burning wood and coal
-Damp, poorly ventilated homes led to lung problems.
What were the main problems with water supply in early modern Britain?
-Rich people could pay for piped water, but it was limited.
-Poor people relied on public wells or rivers, often contaminated.
-Getting clean water was difficult, making diseases like cholera and dysentery common
How did waste management become a problem as towns grew?
-Waste was dumped into streets, rivers, or privy toilets
-Privy pits overflowed and contaminated drinking water
-Scavengers collected waste but could not keep up.
-Poor sanitation led to widespread disease.
-What were the consequences of poor living conditions in early modern Britain?
-High death rates from disease like the plague, typhus, and smallpox
-Slow improvements in sanitation with governments starting to take action.
