Gin, anyone ?

[RichardB]

Smollet

"The populace of London were so sunk into the most brutal degeneracy, by drinking to excess the pernicious spirit called gin, which was sold so cheap, that the lowest class of the people could afford to indulge themselves in one continued state of intoxication, to the destruction of all morals, industry and order.

Such a shameful degree of profligacy prevailed, the the retailers of this poisonous compound set up painted boards in public, inviting people to be drunk for the small expense of one penny; assuring them they might be dead drunk for twopence, and have straw for nothing.

They, accordingly, provided cellars and places strewed with straw, to which they conveyed those wretches who were overwhelmed with intoxication. In these dismal caverns, they lay until they recovered some use of their faculties, and then they had recourse to the same mischievious potion; thus consuming their health, and ruining their families, in hideous receptacles of the most filthy vice, resounding with riot, exceration, and blasphemy."

[spelling as per the original]

Sounds like a good way to spend a weekend, not sure about an entire life.

[RichardB]

20th February 1736

A petition of the magistrates of the county of Middlesex, was presented to the House of Commons, setting forth -

"That the drinking of gin, and other distilled liquors, had some years past greatly increased, especially amonsgt the people of inferior rank; and that the constant and excessive use thereof, had already destroyed thousands of his Majesty's subjects, and rendered great numbers of others unfit for useful labour and service, debauching, at the same time their morals, and drawing them into all manner of vice and wickedness; and that, that pernicious liquor was then sold, not only by the distillers and gin-shops, but by many other persons of inferior trades, by which means, journeymen, apprentices, and servants, were drawn in to taste, and by degree to like, approve, and immoderately to drink thereof : and that the petitioners apprehend the public welfare and safety, as well as the trade of the nation, would be greatly affected by it; and therefore, prayed, that the House would take the premises into their serious consideration' and apply such remedy as the House should judge most proper."

[Guest 30_degrees]

Gin is the link but how are the 30yrs War, Robinson Crusoe and the North Magnetic Pole all part of the cocktail? :blink:

[dunsbyowl1867]

I doubt the good folk of Sheffield would have sunk so low

Hogarth's Gin Lane

& Beer Alley

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[New and it appears Old Administrator Training topic

[Guest 30_degrees]

No never .... I came across these pics from other sources whilst ferreting about on the net... 11 million gallons of gin distilled in London in the 1730's per year. Estimated to be the equivalent of about 14 gallons per each adult male, not enough produced for women too

Sorry about that :unsure:

[RichardB]

No never .... I came across these pics from other sources whilst ferreting about on the net... 11 million gallons of gin distilled in London in the 1730's per year. Estimated to be the equivalent of about 14 gallons per each adult male, not enough produced for women too