Worse
Posted by Ken on March 11, 1998 at 10:08:23:
In response to bankruptcy, written by Sarah P on March 11, 1998 at 06:18:42
] The workhouse, however, would certainly be a deterrent, compared to government handouts to encourage single mothers etc. However, crime and addiction were probably just as bad a problem in the 18/19th centuries, they were just brushed under the carpet until people like Dickens started publicising them.
In my long-ago 18th century lit. class, one of the tidbits I retained was that honest people generally didn't go out after dark the crime rate was so high. Presumably, honest people that couldn't afford a band of servants, is my guess at this. This despite a legal code that could hang you for the slightest of offenses (or transport you, which could mean the same thing if you happened to be one of the early penal settlers). The crime rate didn't begin to go down in London until the advent of gas street lighting in the early 19th century, and the formation of a professional police department.
Actual crime statistics would be of great interest, if anyone has them. It's very easy to believe one is living in the worst of times by reading the daily bleater, but nothing is so comforting as numbers, I find (-:
YHOS,
Snarkhunter
- String 'em up, that's what I say... Helen 13:55:43 3/11/98
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- Sounds like it's time to read the' episode of the sedan chair' Caroline 15:51:49 3/11/98
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- Sounds like it's time to read the' episode of the sedan chair' Caroline 15:51:49 3/11/98
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