Evil Slums of Edinburgh in the 1800s (Filthy Tenements and Dirty Residents)

The filth and degradation in Victorian Edinburgh's slum was so shocking as to be scarcely believable. Families living in darkness, heaps of rubbish and human waste on floors of living quarters, enormous holes in rotting floors, drunkards kicking your floors through and the likelihood of a brothel next door - are but a few of the experiences waiting for you, should you have chosen (or more likely be forced through no other choice) to rent a room in a tenement from a landlord who couldn't care less if your child fell to their death on dilapidated stairs or your mother died of fever from the pestilent air of a miserably ventilated hovel - so long as they collected their money. This is but an example of the depravity and disgusting conditions you are about to discover in Edinburgh's Old Town slum during the 1860s.
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▶️ Edinburgh Old Town Slums (Part 1): • Edinburgh Old Town Slu...
▶️Edinburgh Old Town Slums (Part 2): • Edinburgh Old Town Slu...
▶️ Victorian documentaries (Playlist):
• Victorians
▶️ Edwardian Documentaries (Playlist): • Edwardians
▶️ Worst Jobs in Victorian History (Playlist): • Worst Jobs in Victoria...
▶️ Criminal Past (Playlist): • Criminal Past
▶️ Victorian workhouses (Playlist):
• Victorian Workhouses
▶️ American Slums and Tenements (Playlist):
• American Slums and Ten...
Credits: Narration - markmanningmedia.com
CC BY - Blackfriars Wynd Cowgate, A convalescing old lady, A hopeless drunkard lying on his bed, A monthly nurse who looks after a mother and a new-born baby, An attic occupied by a family of ten persons, Dwellings of the poor in Bethnal Green, Hints designed to promote beneficence, temperance, and medical science by John Coakley, Illustration depicting cramped and squalid housing conditions Lettsom, Military man settling down for the night in a squalid barrack by Wellcome Collection
CC BY-SA -Fleshmarket Close by Simon Johnston via geograph.org.uk
#VictorianEdinburgh #VictorianScotland #EdinburghSlums #VictorianDocumentary #VictorianEraDocumentary #VictorianLife #VictorianSlums #Victorian #19thCentury #HistoryDocumentary #FactFeast

[@FactFeast]

Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this and want to support the channel you can do this by using the SUPER THANKS button above! ▶ Edinburgh Old Town Slums (Part 1): kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWW4kJVppL-HZ8k ▶ Edinburgh Old Town Slums (Part 2): kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIrJo4Wnq9-IatE

[@anthonyberry9132]

It was ever thus,my aunt reared 6 sons in ' wan room an a kitchen' after her husband was killed in action in 1944. All are retired now but she pushed them into 3rd level education, a hard Donegal lass.97 this year and no sign of decline,much feared and much loved.

[@FactFeast]

Thank you for your comment. See this video for the story of a Donegal girl in Glasgow: A Hard Night in Glasgow's Stinking Rat Pit (1900s Cheap Lodging House) kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5OboHWBl72bo9E

[@sgtcrabfat]

Thank you for keeping this history alive, people forget the dire lives of our fore parents .

[@mijiyoon5575]

Housing is/was always a problem ... unaffordable then & now

[@michaelwilson8713]

Yeah I'll pay over 90% of my total income for rent

[@baylorsailor]

The majority of places today are nowhere near as disgusting and decrepit as what was described in this video.

[@natashabegley1346]

​​@Michael Wilson you need a better job that's ridiculous!

[@gowdsake7103]

@@michaelwilson8713 You rent enough said and will never have anything to show for it

[@ilse-u6x]

Hawaii here,heidous rents here,hence,lots of homeless here,great weather here for that

[@taleandclawrock2606]

My Mum, now in her 70s in Australia, was a child living with her family in poor conditions in Edinburgh. Im glad she and we found so much better living conditions in time. It must have been horrific, surely there would have been so many suicidal, homicidal, alcoholic, sick, injured, exploited. Terrible suffering.

[@ellemorgan1331]

Not as bad then, but war would have impacted her. Things got much better in the 50’s, when families were moved into council housing.

[@anhedonianepiphany5588]

Those Scots who found themselves in Australia as a result of the clearances were likely spared the appalling misery described in this video, as were their descendants. Not that they didn’t endure other kinds of suffering, of course. I used to romanticise Scotland, but I’m glad that my ancestors made it to Australia (despite the oppressive heat).

[@someoneelse.2252]

Nobody lived like this when your Mum was a kid, including your Mum. Poor, yes, but not like this video portrays. I know, I lived in Castle Wynd as a young boy, tiny rooms and the rest but not like this clip shows. Many of the comments are of 'how poor we were'. Gimme a break.

[@aprilblossom9268]

Yes and they talk about Mental Health NOWADAYS! My Granny's abode had one cold tap 6 children with one bedroom and a double Z-bed in front room which was out up and down daily etc...

[@jamesw4895]

My dad was born in 1906 on Easter road in edinburgh. He told me of the poverty and the hardship. His mother died giving birth to his sister. His father fought in the boer war. At the age of 21 he migrated to australia during the great depression. Where he suffered more hardship. As the aussies didn't like the uk immigrants.He worked in gold mines in kalgoorlie, he worked on sheep stations (augathella, meekathara etc) and he made his way to sydney where he met my mother and in 1960 he had me. In some small way I guess I gave purpose to his life. His wife ( my mother) died when I was 6 of tb. He died at the ripe old age of 87. Australia did eventually give him a better life.

[@garydonaldson2270]

Fantastic video!!! Amazing to think that most of these buildings are still standing. Although modernised inside its easy to see, especially at night, how dark and dingy they must have been. Each of them has its own tale of ghosts, murders, and sinister going ons. Builders involved in renovating the rooms have stories of all manner of things found buried under floor boards or hidden behind walls.

[@FactFeast]

Edinburgh still has a maze-like labyrinth of tenement basements hidden in places, that were used as foundations to new structures rather than cleared away. I think that’s fascinating. The vaults is well worth a visit, and the stories of past goings on down there are quite the story.

[@foofookachoo1136]

I certainly wouldn’t want to live in them!! Don’t think I could ever get it out of my head, thinking of how people USED TO LIVE , and how miserable they were!! Think they should have torn down all of these destitute buildings and built new ones!!

[@eleanorcrawford9978]

Thank you for the video makes me realise how lucky we are today my grandmother often talked about a workhouse I never took much notice. I have often heard of the work houses of London but now I know it was the same here in Scotland I have never liked Edinburgh not even to visit I am now more enlightened to its history not so long ago I s topped in a hotel on the Royal Mile there was something about it gave me an uncomfortable feeling I was pleased to get home. I’m not a city person I prefer the country maybe that’s what makes me feel uncomfortable.

[@moondancer4660]

I'm surprised the rich were willing to live above the poor...

[@Boo-dawg.]

Only because they lived above. Put them in the same places as the poor and they would live anywhere but there. I can't believe the royals sat on their royal a$$es and did nothing to help anyone but themselves. There was no reason for it to have been this way. They are all about their charity's now. They couldn't come down from their lofty places to help any of the needy. And it's still they way today. Pretty nauseating.

[@caroliner2029]

What an invaluable and description-defying insight into the life of our ancestors just a few generations ago! City infrastructure was woefully lacking to maintain basic human dignity for the population that hung onto life there. It's a wonder that humans survived at all under such conditions. I've been looking at my family history and wondering about the reasons people had during the 1800s to emigrate to Australia, risking death at sea from shipwreck, and having to endure a long voyage with a little baby and a toddler in steerage. They would be separated from the support of family, and news by letter would be infrequent by sea mail. Dublin had the world's highest infant mortality rate at the time that my MacDonnell family emigrated from there. They weren't poor fortunately, due to being a military family. My Scottish Carstairs family emigrated from the coastal towns of Fife, not far from Edinburgh, and my German Hausmann and Hoelscher family emigrated from Berlin and Hanover in the 1830s and 1850s respectively. Some of my English family were farmers, so they continued that when they arrived, selecting land and clearing it with hand tools. One was a stonemason, so when the gold rush poured money into the towns of Victoria, and specifically Melbourne, construction boomed and woodcutters and stonemasons had a ready supply of work. They must have all been pleased to enjoy the Australian sunshine, which we know has enormous health benefits, and the windowless rooms inhabited by the Edinburgh poor during the 1800s makes me feel so sad for them. What a depressing existence with insects and filth, and the stench of human biological functions, none of which could be escaped from. Melbourne was called "Smelbourne" in the 1880s before the open sewers were covered and laid underground by some engineering geniuses. British MPs struggled with the stench from the Thames when it became a swampy open sewer. It was a progressive thing when Paris was redesigned by another Hausmann (unrelated) and the slums were cleared, allowing much more sunlight into the streets for the average citizen to benefit from. The sewers of Paris are an engineering marvel too. Thank you for this fascinating and thought provoking video.🇭🇲

[@GenelleSmay]

Hello! I'm very glad for your comment! I've been trying to find information about my Dublin and Berlin family who came to the USA between the 1820-1880. Thanks for giving me some hints as to why they came over. The German name is SWABES and the Irish is Hannah Rosemary O'CONNOR. I know where they are buried but I'm trying to find their parents. Thank you!!!

[@alisonmary1443]

This is the "Return to Victorian times" that Thatcher meant in her speeches. However, I remember in the 1970's families and folks still renting room and kitchen (scullery) being forced out their "homes" only to be rehoused at Wester hails (concrete jungle), it was so far out the city then, there was hardly any buses to get there. The High Street homes were renovated after "the clear out" and sold. It was a sad time.

[@Laura-LaFauve]

I am sure my country would devolve into this if certain politicians and business owners and share holders had their way.😢

[@jchow5966]

Lol.

[@Thomas_Wedderburn]

Agreed

[@anhedonianepiphany5588]

That applies to pretty much any country. Which one were you specifically referring to?

[@jessebullard7880]

Canada. Probably not, but that’s where we’re heading with unrestricted immigration, a housing crisis, a job shortage and a government more willing to throw money away on silly pointless things over actually making a difference . I guess one day the poor truly will eat the rich. They better hope they can make it to orbit or we’ll be feasting lol

[@Single.White.Female]

The rich never have to suffer like us poor mediocre humans do 😭 it's just so not right...then or now!!

[@earnold1896]

Guess it's better than communism.

[@MrCherryJuice]

'Us poor mediocre humans'? Is that how you see yourself? Then get up and do something about it. Most people make money and get rich through getting an education, getting a job and making the best of it. Possibly you opted not to grab that opportunity. If so, then don't blame the 'rich'.

[@thebrunetteinroom7]

@@MrCherryJuice🤦‍♀️

[@stevieb7865]

@@MrCherryJuiceyour compassion and empathy is astounding 🙄

[@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos]

I would die within a week of any of this. I am not at all as strong as I tell myself I am. Thank you for your excellent work and narration, it always makes me feel so thankful for my life, hard as it seems to be sometimes.

[@FactFeast]

If you find some value and meaning in these videos then that’s rewarding for me. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. It is very much appreciated. Have a nice day!

[@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos]

@@FactFeast I really do find both value and meaning in these videos. I started out just interested and curious but have every single week learned to be more thankful for a life that I thought sucked and was not enough... Thank you.

[@FactFeast]

Life is tough and unfair in many ways, in the past and today, but all lives have value.

[@susanmccormick6022]

​@@FactFeast Agreed,ALL life forms.

[@Joanna7428]

God me too, as soon as I'm out of milk my pulse is rocketing. We just haven't a clue these days ☹️

[@tombillard5264]

wow the story of the 70 yrs old drinking her way to hell in the dark was mindblowing, that she even made it to that age in those times, only to head to the pit in probably a combo of dementia and booze. i have had depression for 40plus years if i would have had it in those days in that poverty i wouldn't have made it 2 weeks

[@CristinaEvans-w2m]

I agree with you Tom❤from Australia

[@anthonyberry9132]

You might be surprised, adversity makes you, you live better and far,far longer, I really think I might see 150 years, life may have been hard but my children will benefit, and I sure am thankful for that.

[@aprilblossom9268]

I still remember my Granny’s tenement dwelling on Leith. There was a vinegar factory at the end of the road so when we arrived by black taxi on a visit from Kent the smell of vinegar was endearing to me as it meant we were soon at beloved Granny’s. This was Tennant Street - all gone now x

[@FactFeast]

I believe smell has a significant influence on memory. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@aprilblossom9268]

It surely does and that is probably why folks yearn for lost soaps and washing powder etc because of the nostalgia associated. Funnily enough my Granny came from what you might call gentle folk in Peebles and was often referred to as 'the lady' so it really did have a bit of an unfair image, the tenements thing and was often just circumstantial ...Thanking you.

[@gonnabeayogi1445]

Love this comment. I can almost smell that vinegar myself. Very sweet and goes to show that no matter what, we can still have wonderful memories ❤

[@aprilblossom9268]

Thank you 😊

[@aprilblossom9268]

Genteel not gentle

[@MrsWilberforce2]

These places must've been hell on earth. It's a wonder so many people survived having to live in these appalling conditions. Our ancestors must've been very tough indeed.

[@adidasaddict2023]

They never hence why there was the plague when they buried all the poor underground.Thats why there's the dungeons tours you can visit and other tours about the plague

[@Wildmutationblu]

I cannot work due to illness and quite poor living ina one bed flat. I feel very rich compaired to these poor souls.

[@lunallena5594]

Prisons and Victorian workhouses seem like vacation resorts compared to these hellholes in the buildings.

[@sharonhayes5200]

Sounds about the same 150 years later

[@KenzoDNogueraGomez]

Nice to see that landlords have always been the same

[@died4us590]

This sounds as bad or worse than the homeless camp's around the world, especially skid rowe in los angeles. There are working homeless everywhere, because of high rent, and lack of affordable housing. That skid rowe is something, with the poor, mentally ill, the drug addicts and alcoholics, mixed in with people who work, but can't afford the rent. The people back in time had it rough, especially if they got injured or sick, there wasn't anyone to help back then, and i can't imagine having to raide children back then in such filth, and with all the horrible thing's they witnessed. I thank the Lord everyday for providing me with a home, clean water, food, and clothing. I have progressive ms, plus some other serious medical problems. I was injured at work back in 2009, and had several surgeries to fix my leg, knee, and ankle, plus my back was messed up to. I had to sue worker's comp, because they didn't want to pay for one of my surgeries, and i used that money to buy a home that needed some work, and i live out in the country with my own well and septic system. I heard that in the city, people are paying high price's for water, crazy. I would be in better shape had comp taken me serious and done xrays, so my injuries were much worse because i had to work rain, snow, or shine, because i was a cemetery superintendent with not enough help, and dangerous working conditions. I don't know how anyone without faith makes it through the time we are in, but back then especially. Thanks for making these video's, and the time you put in, very well done, and the narration is great. G-d bless everyone.

[@FactFeast]

I’m glad you find the content worthwhile and like the narration. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@brianoneil9662]

That seems like a recipe for crime. Rich upstairs, poor downstairs. The rich having to get past the poor to come and go. No wonder they moved off. Wonderful video, and what a courageous lady!

[@FactFeast]

The Rich moved to the New Town when that was constructed. There are two more stories from Isabella Bird’s journey through Edinburgh’s slum on the channel if you’ve not yet seen them.

[@kierenmcgrotty5297]

What a depressing elitist comment! Nowadays the classes are distant and segregated. The big criminals in the new town. "Criminals" stealing food etc, they can't get near old town. Now in ghettos in the urban ring.

[@richardteale3217]

Man’s inhumanity to man……..and so it continues. I wonder if Victoria and Albert ever took a walk around these terrible areas………yeah right !

[@tezzingtonsir28]

Thank you once again for such informative content. You deliver it with aplomb.

[@FactFeast]

Cheers Tezzington Sir!

[@denisestinnett4414]

Reminds me of Dickens description of the house in “Little Dorit” that fell down around them.

[@J_Willis58]

After watching this, I feel very lucky and grateful for what I have. Thank you for the education with your impeccable English. ❤

[@FactFeast]

You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@C2Baird]

👍 Thank you, please never stop producing your content. It also drives my landlord rich father in law crazy🥰

[@FactFeast]

Glad you like it!

[@Jamestele1]

My family mostly lived in Perth, Aberdeen and Glasgow, so I've always been fascinated with Edinburgh. I plan to visit in October. I can't wait to see the city.

[@FactFeast]

It's a beautiful city with lots of history. I hope you enjoy your trip!

[@darrenaitken1976]

If you want to see exactly how these people live take the Mary king's close tour. You have to go to the city chambers on the royal mile for it and they take you to the uninhabited underground town that still exists to this day. The city chambers is built on top of it.

[@c.s.7266]

Why would you live with human waste on the floor? Regardless of how poor you are is it not just plain old common sense to at least clean it up?

[@missnellaful]

Good question! thankfully and most sincerely THANK YOU FOR NOT INCLUDING AND EXTRANEOUS SOUND AND MUSIC!!! I can learn from your documentaries!!! Hail to you Sir!!!☮️🤍

[@jujumulligan43]

This has been a very interesting time period to me. Such a very profound and clear line being drawn between those with money and the poor retched souls without. There apparently was little or no way in those days to improve your life if you were left wanting. I mostly pity the women and children of this time. I think the Victorian period of history was very dark and gloomy. Thank you for an excellent betrayal of those lives. I look forward to many more of these informative and interesting videos!!😮

[@FactFeast]

Thank you! Much more content to come in future from this period in history.

[@GoodieGurl]

" betrayal" ? 😏 don't you mean *PORTRAYAL* ??

[@jujumulligan43]

Yes !

[@anhedonianepiphany5588]

Half of those pitiable children grew to be men (well, those who survived that long), and their lot wasn’t generally that much better in these environments. Selective empathy is usually the consequence of some form of bias.

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Thanks F.F.❤

[@FactFeast]

I hope you find the story interesting!

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

@@FactFeast Very much 😊

[@veronicathode1466]

Although the British people live poorly, they continue to have kings and queens.

[@kerenhumphreys43]

Unfortunately!

[@ggarlick46]

Live poorly? This is history from a century and a half ago do you really think any other country in Europe or the USA didnt have similar poor conditions at that time, you must be very naive to think otherwise. People in this country dont live poorly today, we have a free health and social security system, unlike the USA where you get in debt if you have no health insurance. Thats why immigrants flock here. So what have Kings and Queens got to do with life in the UK today, they have had no power for well over a hundred and fifty years. Its a Constitutional monarchy and weve always had a prime minister in charge, even back in those Victorian times. Do you think that millionare Presidents like Trump and Biden give a toss for poor people.

[@bluemagma-speaks2461]

Brilliant video! Very informative, much appreciated.

[@FactFeast]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for writing.

[@lindyc.2552]

The lucky ones were those whose bodies gave out in death! Truly the ones to be pitied were those who kept living, to endure such hell day after day after day!!! I cannot imagine trying to cope with such a situation. But, I'm sure plenty of my Campbell ancestors did endure through it, without a choice.

[@aprilblossom9268]

My Father's side were Campbell and indeed it is his middle name (as was the custom)

[@lindyc.2552]

@@aprilblossom9268 Well, hello cousin Campbell... Truly, there are descendants of the Campbell Clan all over the globe! I love Clan Campbell history!

[@anhedonianepiphany5588]

You may wish to provide a different surname should you run into a MacDonald. If ever there was a valid grudge it certainly belongs to them. I’m not condoning holding this grudge against distant descendants, just pointing out that it still exists.

[@aprilblossom9268]

...and that's without the Thomson ancestry too!

[@nichhodge8503]

The conditions are absolutely shocking and to think some people today still live in conditions like those of the 1860’s in some parts of the world. Found this channel today and have binge watched several videos and I must admit I love seeing the old photographs and even the drawings which were taken from newspapers and other publications of the time as they remind me of seeing the drawings in my old history textbooks in school (even recognised a few from my history textbooks when we were learning about the cholera outbreak in Victorian London).

[@FactFeast]

Thanks for watching the videos! It’s really nice to know you appreciate the presentation.

[@johnLee-qm7pm]

Could you be explaining the past or the future ?

[@desperatelyseekingrealnews]

The present for some

[@sofiavanwyk]

🙋🏻‍♀️Why is there a random scene of modern day people plastering etc during this amazing historic KZbin video 😂🤔🧐

[@jaycostewart8]

Very entertaining but so educational. Your narrative is on point too. New like an sub.💯👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@FactFeast]

Thank you so much! Welcome to the channel.

[@Khatoon170]

Thank you for your wonderful cultural documentary channel. As always I gathered key points about topics you mentioned briefly here it’s actually Edinburgh in late 18 th and early 19 century was not pleasant place to live . It’s was crowded, unsanitary, unhealthy. Those who could afford to live outside city centre or old town in expanding suburbs . In 1861 census threw open window on society struggling with poverty and unsanitary conditions. It’s reduced bleak picture of life in Scotland particularly in largest cities and highlands. Today thousands flock to Edinburgh old town to explore sites. In the past unhealthy conditions problems in Edinburgh old town and parts of Glasgow, particularly around high street and other areas close to cathedral. Scottish registration act 1854 which finally forced people into officially registering births marriages and death ( including cause ) in Scotland.

[@FactFeast]

Thank you KHATOON. It’s good to know you found the topic interesting.

[@jaytay8637]

horrific and fascinating , but that plasterer was a bit of a mood shocker, lime wash was slopped on with a wide, short bristle brush, mostly to kill bugs,nothing like that ! Great vids though!

[@FactFeast]

Thank you for your comment! Glad you enjoyed the story.

[@adidasaddict2023]

Thanks for telling this great story in depth about our capital.Where are you from yourself?i stayed in edinburgh for 14 years then cane back to west coast 5yrs ago but my time there will always be in my ❤️

[@Agapismene]

This has always been a war of rich on the poor.

[@lunallena5594]

Ignorance is the real disease.

[@ladyhonor822]

I CONCUR 💖

[@mauricedavis2160]

Excellent episode of a very disturbing subject Sir, thank you!!!🙏😢🤔🏡❣️

[@kieranmclaughlin8920]

Thankyou for covering Scotland, sir. Kieran from Glasgow. Peace and love. x

[@FactFeast]

You're welcome. You can find more content from Edinburgh and Glasgow on my channel.

[@edwardbliss8931]

I can't even imagine the rat problems

[@snuggleb100]

This is why my ancestors moved to America….

[@freeshrugs63]

Wonderfully read. Thank you.

[@FactFeast]

Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed listening.

[@trishmcl9055]

I've read that the bed bugs have increased over 500% in the last couple of years. And it is impossible to get rid of them.

[@kevinwilson8429]

Sounds like the bad neighborhood in any modern major city for the most part.

[@ruthwhall3020]

These stories should be taught in schools more ,it may help in the racial divide that this country is held in ,as ive said for years ,anyone who wasn't rich where mere subjects to be loathed, and disgarded ,only when the rich needed people to go and fight for "them" (the rich)so they would not lose there wealth or there status where the poor ever needed .

[@kennystoker9399]

Love the content mucker braw

[@FactFeast]

Cheers!

[@Ruth-w3h]

Some of those building look like they once were quite grand. That staircase with the iron work. So who were the buildings originally built for, by whom and when? I have more questions than answers after watching this. Great video

[@FactFeast]

Isabella Bird's descriptions of oratories and later flimsy wall divisions do seems to show these were once occupied by, perhaps, wealthier individuals.

[@matildamartin2811]

The people with money lived in these places before the new town was built and they moved out. They were then divided and rented out to as many families as they could squeeze in. Although the Public Health dept. Improved things. In the forties families were still living in divided properties but in much better conditions. A few of my friends lived in such accommodation. When the fashion for updated tiled fireplaces came in, the fireplace installers were giving a small amount of money to buy the old fireplace of them. They were delighted until it became known that they were Adam made fireplaces and worth a fair amount of money ( probably worth a small fortune now.) When I was a child and went to play with my other friends who lived in the High Street in what was called a single end ( one room accommodation ) we used to look for the mouse in the intricately metal carved fireplace. The sign of an Adam fireplace.

[@WadeRaney-vv5oi]

A good presentation on this Evilness😐

[@louisemerriman1079]

So so much better to listen to without the vocal theatrics . ❤

[@annesmith9181]

Landlords. It’s good to know things haven’t changed. The greediest human animals in the pecking order to this day.

[@stormspire]

Interesting to hear about the depths of the living conditions from this time. But also it inspired a lot of the charitable institutions we take for granted today. Free libraries, Red Cross, public parks, etc. From these conditions spring charitable societies. might be nice to have a video about that as well.

[@myoldvhstapes]

(That family of seven living in a 5 X 11 foot 'room.') WOW! The main space in my downtown L.A. microflat is 17 X 11 feet. I can divide it up into THREE of those 5 X 11 foot spaces.

[@FactFeast]

It’s hard to believe how people lived in the past, crammed into such a small space - the lack of privacy, noise, dirt and smell.

[@BassGirlSusan1961]

I'm wondering if going to prison may allow better living conditions than what we see here. It can't be any worse, or can it?

[@taleandclawrock2606]

1000 years of invasion, theft, murder and rape, first by the Romans, then by English, laws enforced which cut the indigenous Scots from their Clan lands, their homes, their hunting, their work, their cultural skills, their children, even their conjugal rights. The results are evident in millions starving worldwide still, in many countries. Peoples severed from clan and tribal wisdom and inheritance continuity. Populations reduced to prostitution, drunkeness, abuse, violence and abject poverty, victims of terrible greed and centuries of attrocities, every indigenous group, almost, has fared the same.

[@damonmelendez856]

And now, responsible for uplifting the teeming masses of the Third World! So sad they want to help everyone but themselves.

[@arianaajbeaverhausen8175]

Back when Edinburgh was "Auld Reekie" 😄❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@FactFeast]

The stink from the putrid sewer water of Nor’ Loch.

[@Lizerator]

Have read Isabella Bird's travels in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Didn't no about this phase of her life.

[@FactFeast]

You may also be interested in these two videos of Isabella Bird's travels through Edinburgh's slum on my channel (links below): Edinburgh Old Town Slums - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWW4kJVppL-HZ8k Edinburgh Old Town Slums (Poor Children) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIrJo4Wnq9-IatE

[@johntabner1500]

You would find better conditions in jail

[@anneloving8405]

at least U didn't pay the weekly rip off rent.

[@aprilblossom9268]

Or worry where the next meal was coming from or if the electricity would run out ... Still the same...

[@proper90s43]

I wonder if she so was shocked she actually set up any foundation to help these people, or if it was just 'tourism' for her? Probably the latter, despite her obvious wealth.

[@francesbernard2445]

I was given a photograph of my grandfather when he was with his father and his step mother after his mother had died in child birth and then remarried. It may have been their gift opening morning tea time party on their wedding day. I was astonished to see it. The home looked large and richly decorated with a staircase to a balcony on the second floor. The year was 1914 when that photograph was taken. When making up his mind to immigrate to North America at around age 17 he knew that the lifesyle would involve maybe a lot harder work while being only a farm hand at first. Farming while living on a frontier instead at the time. He loved both classical and folk music however he didn't like rock and roll music. He called it, "Jungle music." Another thing he disliked was long long hair styles some women had in Germany at the time

[@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos]

Thank you for setting me right every week.

[@FactFeast]

Thank you so much for the tip! You are very kind 😀

[@mikeyfn-a6684]

"Oooh you want your electricity fixed? Moooove. Check into The f'n Plaza lady, just gimme my rent!"-Joe Pesci as Louie Kritski-The Super(1991)

[@perlefisker]

I'm well aware that it wasn't a pleasant or healthy living, but seeing pictures of these cities from the nineteenth century makes me long for the aesthetics of houses more organic and city planning more planless.

[@3coins.]

I hear there’s a lot of ghosts.

[@FactFeast]

Visitors to the Edinburgh Vaults have had plenty of stories of the unexplained to tell.

[@JamesDickson-vs5of]

​@@FactFeast done survey work in the vaults for 18 months just two of us, in the dark just temp ark lamps,, and not once ever did we have any paranormal stuff going on ,🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✌️

[@tempestvideos9834]

Listening to these helps put things into perspective.

[@Erik-by1eg]

Seems like greed took the place of compassion.

[@j.b.4340]

It’s not that simple. There are people living under the bridge, ten miles from me.

[@susanmccormick6022]

Erik:What's new?

[@jamieleetose1]

It’s still overcrowded and just as expensive as London to live

[@Sylvael2002]

Let's see how much 'virtue' you have when your family is starving and you have no other way to feed them Sir. Unimaginable suffering.

[@mandocool]

Had so many vivid images in my head

[@bigcheese2128]

Been doing a lot of shadow work to these videos lol trying to see what parts of it I identify with

[@susanegley4149]

That's very interesting! I am an American, and grew up with periods of lack and uncertainty that still affect me today. I can't imagine the mental legacy THIS would leave.

[@Khatoon170]

Last part of my research demographic mapping in Edinburgh in 1779 . Eminent member of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and brother in law to lord advocate, dr George William bell had published two powerfully pamphlets revealing overcrowded conditions of city wynds ( alleys) 1849 and black frier 1850 . His work which made direct correlation between filthy housing conditions, excessived drinking , prostitution, wife beating, left doubt as to seriousness of problems , no tangible change. Towns of Edinburgh now ( jointly) world heritage sites. Describing by UNESCO as harmonious of two contrasting historic areas . Citizens of 19 th century black frail Wynd, rod rick Wynd would recognise contrast but doubtful if they ever saw any harmony between old and new. Thank you for giving us chance to read learn new information improve our English as well. Good luck to you your family friends.

[@FactFeast]

Interesting research about Edinburgh here, thank you!

[@aprilblossom9268]

There was a Primary school named Dr Bells

[@gelconnolly7216]

Wow they even had Trainspotting them. Nothing changes. WOW. Glasgow's miles better.😂😂😂😂😂

[@luluah1198]

🙄 Edinburgh is beautiful and the people are really friendly and with great humour . But as with most cities it has its problems . The poverty stricken areas are concealed on the very outskirts I’ve visited Glasgow about 3 week ago, but I will reserve judgement until I see more of it , didn’t see much and the weather wasn’t great . Talking of Trainspotting , I saw Tv crew filming for ITV Rebus about 2 weeks ago in Edinburgh . I think they’re filming in Glasgow too.

[@myoldvhstapes]

@@luluah1198: Ooh, is Rebus getting another reboot? Thanks for sharing! I LOVED the brief four-episode series with John Hannah. The way that Edinburgh itself was the dark, broody main character. The cinematography was gorgeous. I found the later Ken Stott version to be quite ordinary for a detective show.

[@georgedonnellan36]

Religion was partly to blame for the over population. ( NO contraception) Catholicism. Very sad for those poor people...

[@annesummers09]

I love your videos. I wonder, what would their pay have gotten them? A man earning 12 shillings a week and a family of wife and 4 children, what would they have been able to buy?

[@FactFeast]

Thank you for your comment. I have a video (though talking about life a few decades later than this), which breaks down earnings and costs of a budget in typical working class families - ‘Eating with the Edwardians.’ It gives an idea of how hard it was to stretch money to pay rent and buy necessities.

[@annesummers09]

@@FactFeast Thanks.

[@aprilblossom9268]

Good question of yours. Makes me wish I had taken note when my Granny lived in tenement slum decades ago. I know there was a thriving pawn shop nearby and a shop which did favours as well as numerous 'tick ' men calling - 30s till 60s time period ..

[@annesummers09]

@@FactFeast Thanks!

[@jchow5966]

It is a beautiful very clean place now.

[@patricialong5767]

Sounds terrifying!!!

[@mikebussy3334]

Wow, that looks really quaint.

[@lostintranslation1957]

Is this life under the SNP?

[@desdicadoric]

Very interesting, I was born in Edinburgh

[@susanbrown2909]

Same under the Tory party.we are moving back to thses times.

[@xenatron9056]

Amazing that such a population could have built such buildings... why so high? They really would have been beautiful in their days of glory. still, it doesn't make sense that the population didn't consider more practical issues when they built the city. Perhaps it was the result of an environmental catastrophe and these people were survivors. I mean they can build this buildings but no one could access a broom> What really happened?

[@taleandclawrock2606]

1000 years of invasion, theft, murder and rape, first by the Romans, then by English, laws enforced which cut the indigenous Scots from their Clan lands, their homes, their hunting, their work, their cultural skills, their children, even their conjugal rights. The results are evident in millions starving worldwide still, in many countries. Peoples severed from clan and tribal wisdom and inheritance continuity. Populations reduced to prostitution, drunkeness, abuse, violence and abject poverty, victims of terrible greed and centuries of attrocities, every indigenous group, almost, has fared the same.

[@jessebullard7880]

Poverty happened. When you can barely feed yourself, house yourself and no laws or social nets could help you, a broom would be both a precious item that could be pawned or traded for food; and a waste of time to even bother trying to clean a hellhole filled with rats, faeces, urine, drunks, vagrants ect

[@MegaLivingIt]

We liked the picture of these slum dwellings with the castle in the background. If the slum people would have quit having children and the royals and gentry had cleaned up the mess of rotten buildings it would have made more sense.😐

[@svenja27esprie]

3:20 wonder if there where windows in every frame...

[@lilmike2710]

It seems that things come full circle. Especially when societies fail to learn history. Each generation becomes further removed from the lessons of the past and therefore doomed to repeat it. And far too many elected "leaders" that are willing to stand by and allow it when doing so helps them and their agendas.

[@jessebullard7880]

The more things change , the more they stay the same

[@mattias969]

This sounds like a Kafka book and people said life was easy back then

[@JoeLivingstone-fk7bp]

Thanks!

[@FactFeast]

Thank you so much Joe! Glad you liked the video.

[@sofiavanwyk]

Absolutely fantastic though 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@FactFeast]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tracydaye6059]

Would be wonderful if some one could put forth the money and bring these up to code for the lower class to feel like humans again ❤

[@DAVIDJOHNSON-pp3ke]

06/21/2023 we call this homeless here in the U S A.

[@chasjetty8729]

Thankyiu

[@FactFeast]

You’re welcome!

[@kathysamuels1465]

I have proof of my ancestry in Glasgow. Shocking

[@maabbott3422]

No difference from other cities in Britain

[@PIERRECLARY]

The conclusion is ... heartbreaking in being so obvious an oft repeated.... we are going back to the same conditions but the slums are hidden behind whitewash again

[@classiclife7204]

As grim as life was in the Middle Ages, it was better than this, by all accounts. Royal and Church alms softened the floor, more than seemingly was going on in the Victorian Era. Serfdom gone, the only place left to live was on your own, mostly in a city where there wasn't enough work. Ailments that are minor by today's standards and well within cure were a death-blow. The natural urge of people with means and power is to accumulate more, regardless of moral cost.

[@kimparker4055]

Not much has changed then..

[@janesykes4483]

Thank u

[@FactFeast]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!