Cholera: kill or cure

How did the government respond to the spread of the disease in the 1830s?

This workshop focuses on early 19th century public health and, in particular, the cholera outbreaks in Britain.

Reports produced by the Board of Health in the 1800s describe a fever prevalent in Spain and Gibraltar, and list government action to prevent the spread of the fever to Britain. Students will have the opportunity to study minutes taken from the Board of Health during the cholera epidemic of the 1830s, providing insight into the government’s response to the crisis and methods suggested for control of the outbreak.

The Education Officer will also show students records created by the Health of Towns Commission, and discuss the recommendations and implications of these and how they led to the passing of the Public Health Act in 1848.

This session is delivered as a workshop. Find out more about the types of session we offer.