107. Rats - a Victorian problem

Join London tour guide Hazel Baker and gain insight into a unique profession: rat catching. Over the next two episodes, we’ll transport you back to the shadowy streets of Victorian London, where we’ll delve into the curious world of rat catching and the daring individuals who pursued this perilous and often unappreciated occupation. In these episodes, we’ll explore the lives and techniques of these fascinating characters, such as the legendary Jack Black, the Royal Rat Catcher who proudly served Queen Victoria herself. We’ll also examine the broader historical context of rat catching in the 19th century, including the spread of disease, the advent of public sanitation initiatives, and the societal attitudes that shaped the profession. Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast: ⁠londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message