Sanitary conditions in 1890

The councils that we know today did not appear until the Local Government Act of 1894 and prior to that, public health in the Bourne area during the late 19th century was the responsibility of the Rural Sanitary Authority. Their Medical Officer of Health was Dr James Watson Burdwood whose job it was to keep members informed about conditions in the area under their control.
In September 1891, he presented his 18th annual report to the authority detailing his investigations during the previous year, 1890. These are the main points reported by the Stamford Mercury with comments from their correspondent, Joseph Davies, headmaster of the Boys' Council or Board School, now the Abbey Road Primary School, and who therefore had an intimate knowledge of the matters under review.

The death rate had increased from 15 to 16 per 1000. This he attributed to the epidemic of influenza, which broke out about the middle of December and abated towards the end of February. Though only one death was directly attributed to this cause, that of a man 72 years of age, who was also suffering from bronchitis, it no doubt materially affected the public health, and contributed in measure to the increased number of deaths recorded as having occurred from diseases of the respiratory organs. 

Out of a population of 19,085, there were 85 deaths between the ages of five and 60, and 75 under one year. In the cases of scarlet fever that have occurred, the medical officer ensured isolation as far as practicable and ordered steps to be taken to prevent the spread of disease. All the cases recovered. Referring to sanitary matters in Bourne, the doctor stated that "in all probability, at no remote date, either the present sewage works will have to be enlarged or some other plan of dealing with the sewage will have to be adopted."

He went on: "We would suggest that the Sanitary Authority give serious consideration to this advice. Nothing is more dangerous than delay in these matters. The public health overrides every other consideration. Cases of scarlet fever in Dunsby in 1889 were traced to the unsatisfactory drainage. A proper sewer is now being constructed. Attention is directed to four old cottages in Aslackby, which are in such a dilapidated condition as to be unfit for habitation. The roofs have fallen in. The rain percolating in all directions renders the bedrooms damp and quite unfit for use. The inmates now sleep on the ground floor, which is very little better, as the ground outside is about a foot higher than the floors, and consequently the rooms get flooded when it rains. The houses should be closed."

A pond near the beck at Morton, was ordered to be filled in and a portion of the beck near the pond to be covered in. The Sanitary Authority also decided that a further portion, about two yards in length, near Mr Allatt's house, should be covered in. We might add to this that the entire length of the open drain should be covered in. If not, Morton will be liable to every infection that is prevalent. The drain will prove a nursery for the preservation and distribution of all disease germs. 

Scarlet fever (12 cases) and diarrhoea occurred at Kirkby Underwood. The latter disease was traced to bad drinking water. Samples of the water submitted to analysis revealed traces of decomposed organic matter. The wells have been cleaned out. We consider it would be better still if a deeper and better water supply could be arranged. Several cases of diphtheria occurred at Corby. At a home occupied by Mr A, I ascertained that Mr A, his wife, and four children all had diphtheria. The yard belonging to his house was a very small one, and was surrounded on three sides by cottages. The two closets and ash pits were in a very filthy condition, these being for 14 adults and 30 children.

These defects were remedied and the yard enlarged. Several cases of suspicious sore throats were attributed to the unwholesome state of the water in the reservoir. The water contained decomposed organic matter, due to the faulty management of the filter beds. This has been rectified but the main pipes which convey the water from the reservoir are in a very bad state, several of them being cracked. The Sanitary Authority have ordered a thorough examination and main drains are to be put down where required. 

Three cases of overcrowding were reported from Swayfield, which were duly remedied. A proper system of drainage is recommended for Market Deeping. Complaint was made about the state of the River Welland at Deeping St James. In warm weather, at low water, the mud and decomposing weeds gave off a very unpleasant odour, detrimental to public health. It was suggested that the Bourne and Peterborough sanitary authorities should join in the expense of cleaning out the river.

Dr Burdwood concludes thus: "From this and preceding reports, it will be gathered that the housing of the poor and the labouring classes is a matter for the earnest consideration of the Bourne Rural Sanitary Authority. Great improvements in the past have been made in the construction of the houses for the labouring classes and in most instances, the large landowners have greatly helped the Sanitary Authority by carrying out any suggestions made for the remedying of nuisances. 

"Still, there are many cottages totally unfit for human habitation, being badly drained and ill ventilated, having only one bedroom and a shake-down on the landing in addition. In some instances the occupants constantly have to pass foul closets and ill-smelling ash-heaps. Others have no back way whatever. Many have no garden. In my opinion, where there is a family, no cottage should have less than three bedrooms. The annual report of Mr F Vintner, Inspector of Nuisances, gives a succinct account of a useful year's work. "

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