Brothels & Prostitutes

[Mick Loney]

I just came across a census for Victoria Place Shadwell, (in the East End near the docks) and found the following entries for adjacent Houses:

House 1 - Head is a lodging house keeper, the lodgers all shown as prostitutes!
House 2 - Head is a Brothel Keeper, with prostitutes for lodgers
House 3 - Head is also a Brothel Keeper, with prostitutes for lodgers.

I know it is supposed to be the oldest profession, but generally ladies keep this occupation to themselves or showed themselves as Dressmakers or Laundresses, but it looks like the enumerator thought otherwise, and wasn't mincing his words when he made those entrie

I know some vicars didn't pull their punches when it came to christening children of unwed mothers, but this is first time I've come across this in a census

[Norfolk Nan]

Loud and proud, eh? what year was that, Mick?

[Mick Loney]

1861, I think. I’ll check later when on my PC.

[Mick Loney]

Yes, definitely 1861 (Piece 0282 Folio 047 Page 07)

[Norfolk Nan]

I’m looking for an interesting local study for my history Masters, this might do it! Thanks, Mick

[Mick Loney]

Well the area certainly had a reputation, where policeman always walked in pairs

You might find Booth's Poverty Maps and associated notebooks of interest. I found one ancestor of mine mentioned, and her son Daniel was described as very bad character, and characterised as a dirty loathsome drunkard!

[Norfolk Nan]

Mick!