This exhibition explored what it was like to live in the poorest part of Hitchin during the 1800's.
You had the opportunity to see, hear and smell the terrible conditions families lived in on Dead Street, Hitchin. Hear from the pupils themselves how the Hitchin British School provided a life-changing opportunity to escape the cycle of Victorian poverty.
About Dead Street.
The Victorian period was a time of change. During the 1800s families moved to cities for new jobs. Towns became overcrowded and living conditions got worse. Hitchin was no exception.
Any space was used to build new homes. Small, cramped houses were built around outside yards. There was no running water or drainage. Disease spread quickly and many babies died very young.
For Hitchin’s poorest families these were the only homes they could afford. With no education children would not be able to get a good job to pay for a better future.
Welcome to Dead Street…