Rowton Whitechapel - Open Air Lounge
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Rowton Whitechapel - Open Air Lounge
Benches along the railings form an open-air lounge at the Rowton House on Fieldgate Street, Whitechapel. Rowton Houses, of which six were erected around London, were large, purpose-built, low-cost hostels or doss-houses for working men. They were established by Lord Rowton (Montagu William Lowry Corry. Date: 1902
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Media ID 7193349
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10529990
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the scene at the Rowton House on Fieldgate Street in Whitechapel, London, in 1902. The image shows a tranquil moment in the daily life of this large, purpose-built hostel for working men. Benches along the railings form an open-air lounge, where men can be seen sitting and chatting, enjoying a brief respite from their labor. The Rowton Houses, of which six were erected around London, were the brainchild of Montagu William Lowry Corry, better known as Lord Rowton. Established in the late 19th century, these hostels provided affordable accommodation for working men who were unable to afford the high costs of renting a room in the city. The Rowton Houses were designed to offer a clean, safe, and respectable alternative to the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions of the workhouses and doss-houses that were prevalent at the time. The men in the photograph appear to be dressed in their work clothes, suggesting that they have just finished their shifts or are taking a break before heading back to their jobs. The open-air lounge offers them a chance to socialize, relax, and unwind in a communal setting. The benches, which are arranged in a semi-circle, create a sense of community and camaraderie among the men. Despite the apparent simplicity of the scene, the photograph offers a glimpse into the daily lives of working-class Londoners at the turn of the 20th century. It also serves as a reminder of the important role that affordable housing played in providing a basic level of comfort and dignity for those who were struggling to make ends meet.
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