A common historical misconception was that until a few centuries ago, everyone died around the age of 40. In fact, even in ancient times, it was quite possible to reach an age that would today be considered an elderly person. The dangers of childhood and all the dangers that can befall you at every stage of your later life. In the mid-17th century, when the Dark Ages had passed and the Industrial Revolution was on the horizon, these threats to life included consumption, dropsy, “intestinal pain,” sciatica, “stopping the stomach,” and, of course, the plague. I was there.
This information comes from the London Mortality Bill, shown below, which states that for the week 15 to 22 August 1665, 96 of the 130 reporting parishes were infected with the plague. It represents the number of deaths for all cities and parishes.”
So Rebecca Onion writes in Slatewho quotes Shakespeare’s restless world author Neil McGregor said: “The notes cost about a penny and were issued in large quantities.” But “if medical science is still somewhat uncertain about causes of death, those responsible for tallying up deaths to calculate mortality rates are even more uncertain,” resulting in “bedridden,” “fearful” Ambiguous classifications such as , “apathy,” and “apathy” arose. “Surface”
When you spin the wheel, you may receive one of those destinies 17th century death roulette, A web application that quickly cycles through death claims and the types of deaths listed therein. “In the week of July 11, 1665, you died of paralysis.” “In the week of February 14, 1665, in St. ‘You died at Winde in the week of December 12, 1665.’ Your result reflects the actuarial probability that a particular Londoner might have died in that year. Maybe not, but all this death, perhaps ironically, gives us a vivid impression of what life was like back then. Personally, I’m curious to know just how dangerous those stairs at St. Thomas the Apostle really were, but we’ll never know, given that the entire church was destroyed in a huge fire the following year. . please play 17th century death roulette here.
via metafilter
Related content:
History of the Plague: Animated map of all major epidemics
1665 advertisement promises “famous and effective” cure for the Great Plague
The bizarre costumes of plague doctors who treated victims of bubonic plague in the 17th century
Isaac Newton had his most revolutionary idea during the Great Plague of 1665.
74 ways characters die in Shakespeare’s plays in this handy infographic: from snakebites to sleep deprivation
Based in Seoul, Colin Mbemust write and broadcastIt’s about cities, languages and cultures. His projects include the Substack newsletter books about cities and a book Stateless City: A Stroll Through Los Angeles in the 21st Century. Follow him on Twitter @Colinbemust or facebook.
