Rights Managed > Historic England > The way we were > Victoriana
Market Court, Kensington High Street BB77_09230
Filename: bb77_09230.jpg
Size: 4583 x 4121 (4.8MB)
Date: 29th September 2009
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: English Heritage Images
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Market Court, Kensington High Street BB77_09230
MARKET COURT, London. A photograph of Market Court on the south side of Kensington High Street, three years before the site was demolished. The inhabitants pose for the camera. Courts such as this one were frequently over-crowded with cramped and insanitary slum conditions. Photographed c. 1865. G Barnes Collection
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 1764733
© Historic England
Historic People Residential Urban Victorian
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Historic Images
> More Lost London
> The way we were
> House and home
> The way we were
> Victoriana
EDITORS COMMENTS
Market Court, Kensington High Street: A Snapshot of Victorian Poverty and Urban Living This evocative photograph, taken around 1865, captures the Market Court on the south side of Kensington High Street in London, three years before its demolition. The image offers a rare glimpse into the cramped and insanitary living conditions that were common in urban courts such as this one during the Victorian era. The inhabitants of Market Court, dressed in their Sunday best, pause in their daily routine to pose for the camera. The scene is a poignant reminder of the stark contrast between the opulence of the surrounding affluent neighborhoods and the poverty that lurked just around the corner. The narrow, winding alleyways and cramped living quarters were often overcrowded, with families sharing single rooms and relying on communal facilities. The photograph also serves as a testament to the harsh realities of urban living during this period. The lack of proper sanitation and ventilation, combined with the close proximity of families, made these courts breeding grounds for diseases. The Victorian era, known for its social reforms and advancements, failed to provide adequate housing for the working class, leaving them to live in squalor. The Market Court photograph is a poignant reminder of the past, offering a glimpse into a time when poverty and urban living were intertwined, and the struggle for basic necessities was a daily reality for many. The image is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving history, as it allows us to learn from the past and strive for a better future.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
