Originally posted by The Good Michael
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This is a good thought - and to an extent I agree. It is quite possible that the rules were tightened up after 1888. In fact I don't think there's any question that the known association of the victims - and quite possibly the murderer - with common lodging houses was noted as part of the long standing social evil that common lodging houses were considered to be - by those fortunate enough to be above having to use them, that is.
However, the rules stated in the Victoria Home in 1888 were not new, and not unprecedented. The Victoria Home was not 'special' or a lone, shining example of new moral enlightenment. It would be a mistake to believe so. Other establishments with similar rules and provisions had been in business 40 years before; and many of the rules by which the Victoria Home purported to abide were in fact requirements to which all lodging houses were in theory expected to abide.
I do think establishments such as the Victoria Home were important in paving the way for later, better establishments. If I have time later, I'll post some examples.
Best regards
Sally
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