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The Industrial Revolution (c1750--1900) transformed Britain from a rural, agricultural society into an urban, industrial one. Rapid urbanisation led to appalling living conditions in the new industrial towns and cities, creating a public health crisis that forced the government to intervene.
Between 1750 and 1900, Britain's population grew from around 6 million to over 30 million. People migrated in huge numbers from the countryside to towns and cities in search of work in factories and mills.
| City | Population in 1801 | Population in 1851 |
|---|---|---|
| London | 1,117,000 | 2,685,000 |
| Manchester | 75,000 | 303,000 |
| Birmingham | 71,000 | 233,000 |
| Leeds | 53,000 | 172,000 |
| Liverpool | 82,000 | 376,000 |
The rapid growth of towns meant that housing, sanitation, and water supply could not keep up with demand.
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