London Labour and the London Poor

“My earnest hope is that the book may serve to give the rich a more intimate knowledge of the sufferings, and the frequent heroism under those sufferings, of the poor—that it may teach those who are beyond temptation to look with charity on the frailties of their less fortunate brethren.”

Mayhew provides his reason for authoring the work London Labour and the London Poor: to create a deeper understanding among the wealthy regarding the hardships and resilience of the poor. He directly addresses individuals in positions of influence, urging them to act to improve the plight of the impoverished. Mayhew’s choice of words, particularly labeling the suffering as a “national disgrace,” underscores the urgency of fixing this societal issue.

“His busy life is past in the markets or the streets, and as his leisure is devoted to the beer-shop, the dancing-room, or the theatre, we must look for his habits to his demeanour at those places. Home has few attractions to a man whose life is a street-life. Even those who are influenced by family ties and affections, prefer to “home”—indeed that word is rarely mentioned among them—the conversation, warmth, and merriment of the beer-shop, where they can take their ease among their ‘mates.’”

Mayhew suggests that the behavior and habits of the man he describes here are best understood through his interactions in these places. The allure of these social venues lies in the camaraderie and connection they provide, fostering a sense of belonging among peers. Mayhew contrasts this communal lifestyle with the limited appeal of the home for those deeply embedded in urban street life, highlighting their detachment from domesticity.

“One candid costermonger expressed his perfect contempt of slangs, as fit only for bunglers, as he could always ‘work slang’ with a true measure. ‘Why, I can cheat any man,’ he said. ‘I can manage to measure mussels so as you’d think you got a lot over, but there’s a lot under measure, for I holds them up with my fingers and keep crying, “Mussels! full measure, live mussels!” I can do the same with peas. I delight to do it with stingy aristocrats. We don’t work slang in the City.’”

A costermonger expresses disdain for “slangs,” deceptive tactics used by street sellers, asserting that he can manipulate customers skillfully without relying on such tricks. The contrast between street vending and the regulated environment of the City emphasizes perceived differences in ethics. The excerpt provides a revealing glimpse into the complexities of street vending, demonstrating the delicate balance between deception and authenticity that defines the interactions between sellers and customers.