The Potteries Pestilence & The Piggeries of Norland.
Its hard to imagine that this area was once derelict run down a place of abject poverty and pestilence.
Pig farmers had moved out from central London fleeing expensive Tottenham Court Road and relocated to North Kensington. The area became part of the new post Victorian light industrial suburbs. Many potteries had relocated here. The local clay soil was particularly suitable to that trade.
As these activities moved out of Westminster and the City so too came small scale market farming and animal husbandry especially related to pig products. Over 3000 pigs rutted in raw sewage open sewers and stagnant ditches. Children ran barefoot in the fetid canals. Cholera and typhus broke out frequently and child and adult mortality were among the highest in the UK. The hovels adjoining the pigsties were described as ruinous. All manner of deprivation and social neglect were normal.
When it became apparent that the death rate and poverty far exceeded the national norm steps were taken to clean up the area close the sewers pave the roads relocate the farms drain the fields and address the social problems.
The great, the good and the greedy focused their energies on the area and so began intense development. Terraces were laid out, a communications system installed and community infrastructure, both private and social housing was built and commercial opportunities encouraged.
Many still maintain that not a lot has changed.
Footnote. The pictures and many similar stories of the area may be found on the Norland Conservation Society website. The link is HERE
If you have an interest in local conservation or want to get involved with planning and heritage matters why not join The Norland Conservation Society? This local amenity organisation focuses on the area. It’s work is to protect and enhance the character of the Norland Conservation Area and is chaired by Libby Kinmonth.
The committee members regularly review and comment on planning applications. They lobby and collaborate with RBKC, MPs, local councillors and representatives of other authorities such as the Greater London Authority, TfL, English Heritage, housing associations and other organisations to improve and retain the integrity and character of the ward and the environs. The annual lecture is a social diary fixture for the community. The membership fee is as modest as the benefits are great.
