Shropshire Routes to Roots

4. Cholera

During the 18th and 19th centuries towns like Shrewsbury became more crowded and poor sanitation an increasing problem. Although moves were made to clear the main streets of garbage and waste this often resulted in a detrimental effect to the side streets. The shuts, alley ways, for which Shrewsbury is well known were often filled with human refuse and waste. In these conditions the killer diseases and in particular infections spread with ever increasing ease and speed.

Butcher Row, Shrewsbury Larger image, in a new window [34kb] [Reproduced with kind permission of Secret Shropshire]

This image, is a Victorian print of Butcher Row in Shrewsbury. Butchers came in from the country to sell fresh meat to the people of Shrewsbury. Here you can see a stall, or 'shamble', from which the butcher's sold their meat. They also killed the animals and prepared the meat here. Some accounts tell how the road was almost an open air abattoir. You can imagine the noise, smell and flies that must have been present.

When did cholera first appear in Britain?

Handbills such as this one printed in 1849 for the Parish of Holy Cross and St Giles has advice on how to deal with the epidemic.

Cholera handbill Larger image and transcript, in a new window [Reproduced with kind permission of Secret Shropshire]

What is cholera?

Cholera is an acute illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The severe form of the disease is characterized by watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and leg cramps. Rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock, which without treatment can result in death in a matter of hours.

What did the scientists of the day believe caused cholera?

In the early 19th century there were many theories as to the cause of cholera, but two were paramount. One theory was that bad air or, "miasma", was the cause. Sanitation and hygiene were poor in 18th and 19th century Shrewsbury.

The River Severn was heavily polluted by not only waste but raw sewage. As late as 1821 an act was passed in which householders were required to empty overnight effluent into the River Severn. Consequently the worst parts of the town, were those areas closest to the river. Abbey Foregate, Coleham, Castle Foregate, Mardol and Frankwell were particularly badly affected with sewage seeping through the soil into the river. Although fresh drinking water was provided the reality was that many of the poorer inhabitants used the river as their major source of drinking water. This correspondence to the editor of Eddowes Journal in 1865 gives some indication of the problems encountered.

Sewerage versus death rate Larger image and transcript, in a new window [Reproduced with kind permission of Shropshire Newspapers]

The alternative theory was the germ theory. The suggestion being that the disease was transmitted from one person to another via infected water. This was supported by John Snow, a Doctor in West London, who proved that a single contaminated drinking source, The Broad Street Pump, was the source of cholera in that area of London. By taking the handle off the pump he stopped the outbreak.

Advertisements for Medicine Chests Larger image and transcript, in a new window [Reproduced with kind permission of Shropshire Newspapers]

Because there was no known cure and indeed there was much confusion as to the cause numerous commercial remedies came onto the market. Dispensaries were opened to give free treatment and advertisements such as this, which appeared in the Salopian Journal in July 18th 1832 shortly before the first outbreak in Shrewsbury, were common.

What did the Authorities do to combat cholera?

There was a constant battle with local authorities to do something about Public Health. Unfortunately many of them felt that it was too expensive and that they would leave any direct action until legislation made them act.

Sanitary conditions page 1 Larger image and transcript, in a new window [Reproduced with kind permission of Shropshire Newspapers]

Sanitary conditions page 2 Larger image and transcript, in a new window [Reproduced with kind permission of Shropshire Newspapers]

The correspondence here shows the Shrewsbury Authorities attitude and the problems encountered by professionals trying to improve the situation.

• What has been the conclusion of Mr Blunt's analysis of the water in Shrewsbury?
• What has the Government stated must not occur to our water sources?
• Do you think it sounds as though the Shrewsbury Town authorities of the day were likely to do anything about the insanitary conditions?

Other views such as the one below provided what appears to be a scientific response which argued against the cause of a water borne infection.

Article looking at water supply Larger image and transcript, in a new window [Shrewsbury Journal]

Does the author think that cholera and the suggested link to contaminated water supply was a justified cause for concern? What arguments does this article give to allay these fears? Do you think that these arguments are valid?

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