Great Filth

The War Against Disease in Victorian England

How the Victorians struggled to overcome diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and scarlet fever in their cities This is the fascinating story of how a small group of dedicated individuals fought opposition from politicians, taxpayers, and often their own colleagues to overcome disease in overwhelming numbers, and make the country a safer place for everyone to live. Victorian Britain was the world's industrial powerhouse, supplying a global demand for manufactured goods. As it changed from an agricultural to an industrial economy, people swarmed into the towns and cities. Overcrowding and filthy living conditions were a recipe for disaster, and diseases such as cholera, typhoid, scarlet fever, smallpox, and puerperal (childbed) fever were a part of everyday life for town- and city-dwellers. However, thanks to a dedicated band of doctors, nurses, midwives, scientists, engineers, and social reformers, by the time the Victorian era became the Edwardian, they were almost eradicated, and no longer a constant source of fear.