An indication of the relationship between the location of Turkish baths and levels of poverty in London in 1889

The red pins represent Turkish baths known to have opened in London between 1860 and 1901. Although Urquhart, Richard Metcalfe and many others argued for the provision of Turkish baths, free or at a nominal charge, in areas of poverty, the overwhelming majority were located in areas which Booth designated as 'Fairly comfortable', 'Well-to-do' or 'Wealthy'. Many were located near railway stations to catch commuters going home to the suburbs.

Too much should not be inferred from this suggestion. The baths were opened over a period of forty-five years, whereas Booth's map is a snapshot of the situation around 1889. Nevertheless, most of these areas would probably not have changed significantly over this period. Booth did not designate the area of the City of London in which there were thirteen establishments.

A facsimile of Booth's totally fascinating map is still in print and is worth buying!

< Charles Booth's descriptive map of London poverty, 1889. — London (3 Meadway Gate, NW11 7LA) : London Topographical Society, 1984