LIVING CONDITIONS

WHAT WERE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE POOR AND RICH CITIZENS IN RICHMOND IN THE EARLY 1900’S IN TERMS OF HOUSING, WORK AND LEISURE?

By Michael Altis 9C

Background Information

In Richmond in the early 1900’s there were considerable differences between the poor and rich citizens. This is due to the overall living conditions of the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s and how different they were.

Background Information

There was a massive class differences between the poor and rich citizens and this lead to the poor citizens facing disadvantages in their future. The differences between the poor and the rich citizens can be demonstrated in terms of housing, work and leisure.

Housing

Housing played a major part in the living conditions of the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s.

Housing – Poor Citizens

In the slums of Richmond Housing was at the bottom of hills so houses

would flood regularly Too small for its tenants with multiple

generations of a family living in a tiny house There was no electricity for light or warmth

as it was too expensive Made up of iron and shipping wood Unsanitary because cleaning was not the

main priority

Housing – Rich Citizens

Housing was at the top of hills so houses would rarely flood

Too large for its tenants with a house regarded as a mansion

There was electricity for light and warmth because rich citizens could afford it

Made up of brick and weatherboard Very sanitary because cleaning was

affordable for the rich citizens

Work

Work was one of the most important factors that determined the living conditions of the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s.

Work – Poor Citizens

No education after primary Earned lower class jobs with hard labour Men and women worked in factories and

women around the house Worked in the slums of Richmond

Work – Rich Citizens

Primary and tertiary education Earned higher class jobs with no labour Men worked as doctors and business

men and women worked around the house

Worked in the town of Richmond

Leisure

Living conditions played a good part in pre determining the leisure of the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s.

Leisure – Poor Citizens

Adults had no leisure time because they worked long hours in order to make a sustainable income

Boys and girls played in the streets and created there own games but would start work very young so this leisure time did not last

Frequently went to church Poor did not associate with the rich

Leisure – Rich Citizens

Adults had leisure time and spent it with there children or watching plays and playing sport like tennis

Boys played sports like tennis and cricket in private courts

Girls acted like ladies and didn’t play as such

Frequently went to church Rich did not associate with the poor

Richmond Slums

Richmond Mansions

Conclusion

It has now been demonstrated through housing, work and leisure that there is a multitude of differences between the poor and rich citizens in Richmond in the early 1900’s.