Sites Of Scientific Interest Damaged By Squirrels
The Cattery from Hell
Rats In 19th Century Britain
Rats have been a persistent problem in the UK for centuries, and the 19th century was no exception. During this period, rats caused significant problems in cities and towns nationwide, spreading disease and damaging property. In response, the government took steps to combat the problem, and notable rat catchers emerged who helped to rid urban areas of these pests.
Why Rats Thrived In The 19th Century
The 19th century saw a significant increase in urbanisation in the UK as people flocked to cities in search of work. However, this rapid growth led to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and increased rat populations. Rats were a common sight in city streets, alleys, and homes, spreading disease and damaging property. Rats were known to carry a variety of diseases, including cholera, typhus, and the bubonic plague. The spread of these diseases led to the development of public health policies and the creation of organisations, such as the Public Health Act of 1848, which aimed to improve sanitation and living conditions in urban areas.
How The Spread Was Controlled
The government took steps to combat the problem of rats in the 19th century. In 1843, the government appointed a Royal Commission to investigate the problem of rats in London. The commission recommended that local authorities take responsibility for controlling the rat population and encourage the public to use traps and poison to control rats in their homes. The government also passed the Public Health Act of 1875, which gave local authorities the power to take action against the spread of disease and required them to provide clean water and sanitation.
Pest Control Methods In The 19th Century
One notable figure in the battle against rats during this period was Jack Black, who became famous for his rat-catching skills. Black, born in Bethnal Green in 1851, learned how to catch rats from his father, who was also a rat catcher. Black was a showman and a rat catcher and would perform his rat-catching skills in front of crowds. He caught rats using various methods, including traps, ferrets, and dogs. Black became a celebrity, and people would come from far and wide to see him catch rats.
Another famous rat catcher of the period was Isaac Bell, who worked as a rat catcher in the city of Liverpool. Bell was known for his innovative methods and developed a trap that could catch up to 50 rats at a time. Bell was also known for his showmanship and would catch rats in public places like the Liverpool Exchange. Bell's skills were in such demand that the Liverpool Corporation hired him to help control the rat population in the city.
How The Problem Was Made Worse
Despite the efforts of the government and notable rat catchers, rats continued to be a significant problem in the UK during the 19th century. In many cases, the problem was made worse by poor waste management practices, which provided a ready food source for rats. The problem was particularly acute in poor areas, where people lived in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
In conclusion, rats have been a persistent problem in the UK for centuries, and the 19th century was no exception. The rapid urbanisation of the period led to overcrowding and poor sanitation, which provided ideal conditions for rats to thrive. The government took steps to combat the problem, and notable rat catchers emerged who helped to rid urban areas of these pests. However, despite these efforts, rats remained a significant problem in the UK during the 19th century. It was not until the development of modern pest control methods and improvements in sanitation that the problem was finally brought under control.