How Victorians Survived a Night in a Dirty Doss House (Horrific Hotels for the Poor)

Victorian 'Hotels for the Poor' were cheap ...but a nightmare! Found in slums, they had a terrible reputation for being filthy, often overcrowded and a dangerous place to find yourself - the home of vice and crime. If you didn't lose your boots and clothes in the night, you might escape in the morning to earn a few pennies for the next. Their one redeeming feature was their low cost and they served as a roof over the heads of the unemployed and those on meagre wages who had nowhere else to go, but the streets or the workhouse. Take a visit to some of these 19th Century doss houses - both the better and the much, much worse - with a genuine and eye-opening contemporary account by a Victorian investigative journalist.
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▶️ Victorian Penny ‘Sit-Ups’, Two-Penny ‘Hangovers’, Four Penny ‘Coffins’ : • Sleeping Rough in Vict...
▶️ Brutal and Filthy Edwardian Doss House (Manchester): • Brutal and Filthy Edwa...
▶️ A Night in a Stinking Victorian Doss House in 19th Century London: • A Night in a Stinking ...
▶️ Victorian London's Spitalfields Slum - A History of East End Poverty: • Victorian London's Spi...
▶️ 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 - Lodging House in Field Lane, On Private Action in Respect of Common Lodging Houses, People queuing at S. Marylebone workhouse circa 1900, A hopeless drunkard lying on his bed watched by his poor wife by Wellcome Collection; Person looking through aventine keyhole by Videvo.com
CC BY-SA - Laundry copper at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich (mid to late 19th century) by Prioryman
#VictorianLondon #VictorianDocumentary #VictorianLondonDocumentary #VictorianEraDocumentary #VictorianLife #Victorian #19thCentury #VictorianEra #VictorianSlums #HistoryDocumentary #FactFeast

[@FactFeast]

Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this please give it a like and share with friends. ▶ Victorian Penny ‘Sit-Ups’, Two-Penny ‘Hangovers’, Four Penny ‘Coffins’ : kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4bPYnarrNuolaM ▶ Brutal and Filthy Edwardian Doss House, Manchester: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKKWmniNeLylhdU ▶ A Night in a Stinking Victorian Doss House in 19th Century London: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXmuf5uCpdqlr6M ▶ Victorian London's Spitalfields Slum - A History of East End Poverty: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKuUo2dtrKyrjac ▶ Victorian documentaries (Playlist): kzbin.info/aero/PLLSSHJuYZhj5Nupw8SGZGGfVGg1hWjN6z

[@tinygrim]

Great one, thanks 😊

[@FactFeast]

You’re welcome! Thank you.

[@eliotreader8220]

what was that tea and sugar mixed the person was talking about

[@sunnyd5280]

Awful what these poor people went through, what the poor of today go through.

[@johnbruce2868]

Further insight into the harrowing nightmare of Victorian doss houses. I'm grateful but it's a trauma to listen to. Sleeping Rough was bad enough. I've never forgotten the harrowing lines, "You yourself sleep next to an old decrepit man who cannot always control his bodily actions. His trousers stink! Stink! You will carry the stench in your nostrils for a week." Fact Feast really is cutting edge social history.

[@Jumbo344]

Public toilet without the minimal smell of bleach…. Sleeping next to you.. suicide must of been rife

[@sigmakeyboardwarrior]

pro yap

[@pq7605]

Your historical research is greatly appreciated

[@the_birthday_skeleton]

oh how delightful to doss upon one's sofa, listening to your fascinating, eye-opening videos :^) And what a blessing it is to doze under a roof of ones own with a warm drink, soft pillows and food for breakfast; we are so, so lucky.

[@FactFeast]

Thank you the birthday skeleton. It’s great to have your support!

[@the_birthday_skeleton]

@@FactFeast thanks! your my favourite KZbin channel, hands down

[@floramew]

Intolerable of cold, because they cannot feed the internal fire of their body... That somehow never really occurred to me as an issue of chronic malnutrition, but it makes sense, and what a poignant way to put it. Thanks as always for making these primary sources accessible.

[@garylancaster8612]

I've read Jack London, other accounts of late Victorian dosshouses and many other accounts of the East End (morbid interest in JTR). What always strikes me about the miseries they faced is how knackered and starved of sleep they must have always been. Even if you weren't being woken by police on a bench and had a doss bed they got little sleep and they were turned out usually at the crack of dawn. What did you do when you needed a middle of the night pee too? There were a couple of toilets in the yard but they could be a long way away. They must have been permanently exhausted, cold and hungry.

[@kayb9979]

The chances are that if you needed to go to the toilet you'd have to take all of your possessions (such as they were) with you. industrial accidents among casual employees must have been common due to lack of sleep. I'm wondering if Someone like Sir Frederick Treeves said anything about it. I have a copy of "The Elephant Man and other Reminiscences" but haven't glanced at it for ages but I seem to remember that he did consultation work in a hospital that catered for industrial accidents.

[@FactFeast]

I have some of his accounts on my channel, including his visits to doss houses and workhouses.

[@ericluriergo8251]

I’ve read the Jack London book 📕 as well: fascinating!

[@ktm42080]

Oh, to have the copper for a four penny hotel! Times are getting rough here, if I have need of a doctor again I shall be turned out of me own dosshouse. I will be forced to spend nights in a penny sit-up or two penny hangover, if I can find one. Another great video reminding us that we might have it good for now, but how long?

[@IconTitan]

I love ALL your victorian videos, keep up the good work. Thankyou.

[@FactFeast]

Thank you! Will do!

[@johnbruce2868]

I've never forgotten the harrowing lines from a previous video, 'Sleeping Rough', "You yourself sleep next to an old decrepit man who cannot always control his bodily actions. His trousers stink! Stink! You will carry the stench in your nostrils for a week." Now another insight into the uniquely horrific world of Victorian doss houses. I'm grateful, but it's a trauma to listen to. Most people will have no idea about 'bloaters'. You can still buy them in the UK as 'a delicacy' (if you really want to). Try giving yourself a real Victorian pauper experience. Let one rot for a day or two, eat it and imagine living like that with no income, no bed, no sanitation and no options for the rest of your life.

[@FactFeast]

The penny 'sit-up' ! Interesting point on the sale of bloaters. Perhaps at specific fishmongers. I assume there's not much left of the trade in Great Yarmouth.

[@lisaniven367]

Great stuff always good to listen 🎧 to

[@FactFeast]

Thanks for listening! Much appreciated.

[@incominghitdadirt9587]

A lot of the homeless today refuse to stay in shelters. I've been in a few and I don't blame them.

[@C.Hmoore]

Much like many houses in London today. Rooms filled with mattresses, 20 people sharing one bathroom etc

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Thanks FF❤

[@FactFeast]

Thanks Lana! It’s much appreciated.

[@InglouriousBradsterd]

01:24 is one of finest pieces of art I've ever seen. Ty for your content.

[@daveanderson3805]

The current government is taking us back to that era at breakneck speed. Although, you will have a choice. Doss House, tent in a park, or if you're privileged, perhaps a container. I can't figure out what people see.in this country. It's a dystopian hell scape

[@harrymonk6]

At least we can hop on youtube to have a moan through

[@deeppurple883]

I actually stayed in on for two day's in the 80s our of necessity. It was stepping back in time everything there was like it was from the 19th century men included. The place is still going but more modern.

[@scottnation5685]

I love the stories and narration on your channel

[@FactFeast]

Thank you! Glad you’re interested in this history.

[@SoldierPoet]

Awesome video as always! Thank you for all of your hard work. 👍

[@FactFeast]

Thank you for your support SoldierPoet!

[@robertabray-enhus3198]

Some Homeless shelters are no better today

[@Angelalivingaquietlife]

Epic narration as always! You really know how to ‘set the scene’.

[@angeliquethorn4525]

Slum lords on modern level still with us I have One.

[@PrincessLight3146]

What was it like living in a wealthy home for Victorian Britains? For the servants, the children living with nannies in nurseries? What were their toys and their daily routine like?

[@angr3819]

Thank you

[@FactFeast]

You're welcome. Thanks for your support!

[@louisemerriman1079]

Excellent content thankyou

[@FactFeast]

Much appreciated! Thank you for being here.

[@leejennimgs6224]

You know that smell was unbelievable

[@avalondreaming1433]

At 9:13 There men hold cats by their sides. So sweet ❤ 🐈

[@DonnellOkafor_hateslgbtq]

Cats are wretched

[@Khatoon170]

Thank you sir for wonderful cultural documentary channel. As always iam gathering main information about topics you mentioned briefly here it’s there are two major classes of hotels in victorian times ; those for gently and thouse known as family hotels . Homelessness there were “ lodging houses or ( doses house ) where homeless people could sleep. In houses shifts . Terrible unhygienic conditions including heat , rats , shared beds ( dirty , unhygienic bedding) 2500 lodging houses catering for 8, 000 people. The difference between hotel and lodge is lodges are typically smaller, more intimate establishments that provides basic amenities such as beds , bathrooms and sometimes kitchenette. Hotel on other hand tend to be larger in scale with more luxurious amenities such as swimming pools , spas , restaurants or bars . There are two types of lodging lodging accommodations fall into three distinct categories hotels , vacation rentals or outdoor lodging. Thank you for giving us chance to read learn new information and improve our English as well . Best wishes for you your dearest ones .

[@FactFeast]

Glad you liked it Khatoon. Thank you!

[@holliesheet3182]

Doss House then or a tent city today? Miserable or hostel depends...

[@deanodog3667]

Ive just read the book " the five " grim insight into Victorian slums

[@mijiyoon5575]

Looked up *ha'penny* a half penny ... interesting channel this is ... *Thank You Fact Feast*

[@FactFeast]

It’s interesting how we pronounce words over time. Glad you find it worthwhile 🙂

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@FactFeast Accents are wonderful

[@footballsoccerx2021]

Yes - like 2d and 3d pronounced tuppence and thrup-pence, respectively. Also- do you realise that there was 240 pence in a £ - not 100 ? BTW -

[@grantlawrence611]

Life expectency for an average Victorian was a little over 40. Those reaching adulthood could perhaps hope to see mid 50s

[@patrickbush9526]

I think I stayed there on vacation once

[@harrymonk6]

Scotland?

[@babyIwelcomethepressure]

Actually, the equivalent of lodging houses today are duplexes in Wisconsin.

[@michelledaniels-qj6gj]

It's getting like that now 🤨

[@tinygrim]

It's been like this somewhere for ever .. goes around.

[@grantlawrence611]

Yep this is what happens with unchecked capitalism without any sort of social safety net. You can see such poverty in any major US city, many such areas in Central and South America as well as India.

[@davidgrahambrown3793]

@@grantlawrence611Or some people making incorrect life choices?

[@MsZoedog66]

​@@davidgrahambrown3793Disagree with you there. There are some people with mental or other health conditions who struggle with day-to-day survival. Do we have the right to judge them for 'making poor lifestyle choices'? I think reality is a lot more complex than that.

[@lf1496]

​​@@davidgrahambrown3793Vulture Capitalism is an uncivilized system. It's $4000 a month for a 1 bedroom apartment in San Francisco and Los Angeles CA and $6000 for a 1 bedroom in New York City. Not in posh neighbourhoods but regular working class areas. A society that allows that is doomed to fail. There are homeless encampments in Beverly Hills CA where people work full time jobs but live on the streets. This is barbarity with this greedy pre Dickinsian culture at the root. The West is built off of an irrational greed and fear that defies logic😮💯

[@mariangonzalez5784]

Puedes poner tus videos con subtítulos en español ? Me encantan muy buen trabajo aunq no entiendo el inglés yo los veo 😊

[@martingrey2231]

@1:36 Is that a flashlight??? 🤔

[@louisepowell1793]

Sad 😢😢

[@Sylacs]

Whats the story of the guys with the cats? 9:32

[@gravedigr12]

I love these stories i turn off all the lights in the room and light candles then brew a big pot of tea wind up my victorian pocket watch set the time pack my pipe with tobacco and light it and listen and enjoy

[@FactFeast]

It’s nice to know you enjoy listening. Thanks for your comment!

[@mattias969]

The author is definitely welcome in valhall for exposing these abhorrent living conditions.

[@stevedavenport2975]

Traumatised, abused people not many are built to work long hours an be bossed about

[@Flaming-Hedgehog]

Today the poor just sleep on the street. 🙄

[@jujubees5855]

This is why I wonder why bloodline nobility systems are still tolerated.

[@anacasanova7350]

El Imperio Victoriano, y los irlandeses muriendo de hambre .😢😮

[@mijiyoon5575]

County Counselor was a gift looks like Social Reformers are necessary then & now ... my opinion

[@firecracker187]

❤

[@FactFeast]

Thank you firecracker!

[@firecracker187]

@@FactFeast Thanks for another awesome video my friend

[@diogenesstudent5585]

Why didn't they leave the city

[@vivian2217]

And go where with no money?

[@absinthemindedJ]

I'd rather live in the woods ​@vivian2217

[@stevejessemey8428]

I wonder if there were any bed bugs 🪲 Not to mention the smell of flatulence.

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@FactFeast]

Thanks Miji

[@mauriceclark4870]

Somepeoplestillstinkandalwayswill

[@LoriVanAuwelaer]

Hey y'all 😮

[@DaveSCameron]

Manchester dwellings

[@angeliquethorn4525]

Complain rent goes up u learn say nothing hire a handyman. And if relatives gave skills in home upkeep use there kind offers

[@dot2562]

.

[@mariaefelices6543]

I did not see one person of colour ?

[@ghostlyimageoffear6210]

Why would you need to?

[@grantlawrence611]

Need we ask why Marxist ideology?

[@Whiteboykun]

Need we ask how many hundreds of millions his ideology has killed