Joseph Bazalgette; the early years

The transcript provides a historical perspective on life in 19th century London, focusing on the narrator's early life, the decline in urban life expectancy, high infant mortality rates, and the impact of unplanned urbanization. It highlights the severe sanitation issues faced by the population, with a notable quote from Anglican cleric Sidney Smith on water contamination, illustrating the dire living conditions of the time.

Where was the narrator born?

• Manchester

• Enfield, London

• Birmingham

• Liverpool

What was the urban life expectancy in some areas when the narrator was born?

• 50 years

• 40 years

• 30 years

• 35 years

During Queen Victoria's reign, what percentage of London's infants lived to see their 5th birthday?

• 50%

• 40%

• 75%

• 60%

What was a major issue with the cities where half the population lived?

• Lack of schools

• Unplanned development

• No public transport

• Scarcity of food

What did Sidney Smith say about drinking water?

• It was the best in the world

• It was scarce and expensive

• It was pure and clean

• It contained more animated beings than people on Earth