Gin Lane and Beer Street: public health in Hogarth’s London- CANCELLED

Organised by: Centre for History in Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Poverty was rife in 18th century London. In 1751, William Hogarth made two engravings in support of attempts to curb heavy drinking by the poor, who could get “drunk for a penny or dead drunk for tuppence.” Gin Lane, set in the St. Giles slum area, showed the consequences of vice, particularly addiction to home-made gin, while Beer Street showed the benefits of a more moderate life style. St. Giles is very different today but on our walk, we shall trace the story of its church, plagues, prostitution and the Gin Act – as well as hearing anecdotes about Hogarth and his contemporaries and how they influenced public health. Do join us for an exhilarating early evening tour, which will end in easy reach of Holborn tube station.

Meeting point: The foyer of London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street building

Visitors are advised to wear shoes for walking and bring a waterproof or umbrella to be prepared for any weather. Walks are not fast, but a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required. There are no stairs on this route apart from the meeting point, but be prepared for narrow pavements. Please contact Ingrid James (ingrid.james@lshtm.ac.uk) directly if you would like to discuss any particular access requirements.

Free to attend register today to secure your place!

Funded by the Wellcome Trust

For further information about the Centre for History in Public Health and to be added to the mailing list please follow this link: http://history.lshtm.ac.uk/