Look at Source One and Source Two.
These maps cover the area of Spitalfields where our case study individuals lived.
Source One – The Booth Map:
- Can you find Commercial Street, Elder Street and Great Pearl Street (with Little Pearl Street leading off it to the south) on the map?
- What is being represented by the colour key of the map?
- What colours are Elder Street and Great Pearl Street?
- What does the map tell you about the living conditions of these roads?
Source Two – The Ordnance Survey Map:
- Can you find Commercial Street, Elder Street and Great Pearl Street (with Little Pearl Street leading off it to the south) on the map?
- What buildings are named on the OS Map? What do they tell you about the area?
- P.H. stands for Public House or Pub, how many can you find in the area?
Sources One and Two:
- What other features can you find on both maps? (Train stations, markets, churches etc.)
- What do these features tell you about the area?
Look at Source Three
As part of Charles Booth’s research for his poverty map he sent inspectors to accompany police officers on their beats, walking around the streets of London and making notes on their observations. On March 17th 1898 George Duckworth walked with Sergeant French around the area west of Commercial Street before covering the area to the east on the 18th.
- How does George Duckworth describe the area and its inhabitants?
- Highlight the different nationalities and religions you can find mentioned. What does this tell you about the area?
- What occupations are listed?
How does the description given here compare to your understanding of the area from the maps?