The real effects of poor sanitation

‘I call your attention to a sink that is placed at the end of Green Lane, Somers Town, near Trafalgar College, and my premises. The sink was made during the time I was at sea, which prevented my objecting to it, and has been very offensive. My late neighbour, Commander Frankling, lost five daughters and his wife while living in the cottage. I lost a son some time back and a few weeks since a daughter from fever.’ S P Pritchard, Southend, Green Lane writing to the Report to the General Board of Health on the sewage, drainage and water supply of Portsmouth, 1850. Green Lane was one of the more respectable areas of Portsmouth at this time.