For the tiny number of wealthier folks in the capital, life was good. They lived in enormous mansions, indulging in luxuries including the theater and opera. But for the less well-off, life was undoubtedly difficult. Indeed, the majority of London’s population lived off plain, basic diets in cramped housing.
Back then, there was no such thing as welfare. The government simply didn’t provide assistance for people unfortunate enough to lose their jobs. Which was a situation all too common in the 18th century, as the Industrial Revolution saw many jobs replaced by machines. Meanwhile, half of all children born didn’t make it past their second birthday, largely thanks to the terrible living conditions.