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London ice carts, 1850
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London ice carts, 1850
London ice carts, 1850. In cold weather the London poor collected ice for which they were paid between 12p and 70p per cart of 2 hundredweight, depending on the severity of the weather. The ice was taken to insulated warehouses and used to keep food fresh in summer
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Media ID 14843753
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Cold Food Preservation Horse And Cart Refrigeration Ann Ronan Pictures Horse Drawn Vehicle Wood Engraving
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print transports us back to the wintry streets of London in 1850. In this snapshot of history, we witness a scene that reveals both the harshness of poverty and the resourcefulness of its inhabitants. The focal point is undoubtedly the horse-drawn ice carts, which were essential for survival during cold weather. The London poor would brave freezing temperatures to collect ice from frozen ponds and rivers, earning a meager income ranging from 12p to 70p per cartload depending on how severe the weather was. These carts carried two hundredweight (approximately 100 kilograms) of precious ice. Once collected, this valuable commodity was transported to insulated warehouses where it played a crucial role in food preservation during summer months. This ingenious method allowed perishable goods to stay fresh longer before refrigeration became widely available. The image captures not only the physical challenges faced by these hardworking individuals but also their determination to make ends meet despite adverse circumstances. The snowy backdrop adds an ethereal touch, emphasizing the resilience required in such unforgiving conditions. Through this thought-provoking wood engraving, we catch a glimpse into life in nineteenth-century England – a time when even something as simple as ice could be transformed into currency for those struggling with poverty. It serves as a reminder that innovation often arises out of necessity and that human spirit can triumph over adversity regardless of time or place.
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