London Labour and the London Poor

The 19th century marked a period of profound transformation around the globe, particularly in the context of urbanization. Rapid industrialization and urban growth brought about significant changes in social, economic, and cultural landscapes. This period witnessed a shift from agrarian economies to industrial ones, and rural populations flocked to urban centers in search of better economic opportunities. In addition to the need for financial stability given decreasing agrarian opportunities, the allure of factory jobs, increased trade, and the promise of a modern lifestyle drew masses into cities. This migration led to the exponential growth of urban populations and the simultaneous expansion of urban landscapes. Mayhew’s work reveals urbanization’s profound impact on individuals and families’ lives. As people moved from rural areas to urban centers, they encountered opportunities and challenges that tested their resilience. The promise of steady employment drew many, but the reality often proved harsher than they had anticipated. The influx of laborers led to intense competition for jobs, which in turn depressed wages and resulted in precarious working conditions. In depicting workers fighting for a job at the docks, Mayhew writes:

It is a sight to sadden the most callous, to see thousands of men struggling for only one day’s hire; the scuffle being made the fiercer by the knowledge that hundreds out of the number there assembled must be left to idle the day out in want (Volume 3, 304).