Maps Descriptive of London Poverty, 1898-9.

The Maps Descriptive of London Poverty are the product of Charles Booth’s Inquiry into Life and Labour In London (1886 – 1903). An early example of social cartography, each street is coloured to indicate the inhabitants’ income and social class. The 1898-9 maps are available to view or download at:

https://unsplash.com/collections/9620153/maps-descriptive-of-london-poverty%2C-1898-9

Charles Booth was one of those remarkable English Victorians who can justly be described as one of the great and the good. Profoundly concerned by contemporary social problems, and not a pious nor even a religious man, he recognised the limitations of philanthropy and conditional charity in addressing the poverty which scarred British society. Without any commission other than his own he devised, organised, and funded one of the most comprehensive and scientific social surveys of London life that had then been undertaken. Booth also added his voice to the cause of state old age pensions as a practical instrument of social policy to alleviate destitution in old age, established as one of the commonest causes of pauperism. Simultaneously he was a successful businessman, running international interests in the leather industry and a steam shipping line.

The Maps Descriptive of London Poverty are perhaps the most distinctive product of Charles Booth’s Inquiry into Life and Labour in London (1886-1903). An early example of social cartography, each street is coloured to indicate the income and social class of its inhabitants.

More information at https://booth.lse.ac.uk/map