3-021-473 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Distress in East London: the labour-yard of the Bethnal Green Employment and Relief Association, 1868. 'Bethnal-green...has this winter been the scene of much exceptional suffering among the poor. A large part of the population [of 120,000], at the best of times, is on the verge of pauperism, and the stagnation of trade...has deprived many thousands of the industrious poor of their...livelihood. A great effort has recently been made to prevent these persons and their families from sinking into the hopeless ranks of chronic pauperism. This effort was originated by Miss Burdett Coutts, whose munificent charities...are so well known...The association endeavours to avoid degrading the industrious poor by any direct almsgiving, all relief...being given in return for work...the association now employs upwards of four hundred men at nine shillings a week wages. They are occupied in cleansing the streets and pathways, and in breaking granite for the roads. This latter operation is carried on in three vacant railway arches, which have been kindly lent for the purpose...Their characters are carefully investigated, and if found satisfactory the men are provided with clothes, and their expenses are paid to any place where employment may be offered'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.