Many houses were declared 'slums' and although a lot were demolished in Hockley, Planners soon realised they ere knocking down faster than they were rebuilding, so ceased demolition as they neared Lozell's and introduced the 'Envelope' scheme.
Terraced 'slum' houses were Reroofed, had damp proof courses put in, bathrooms with indoor toilet built above the kitchen extension, re-wired & where necessary re-windowed.
These houses are still there today after another 50 years.
Pity they hadn't the sense to start with that scheme before wholesale demolition - but it was the era of old is bad - new is good.
Incredibly a lot of the blocks of flats built at that time have been demolished themselves now - 50 years is very short term replacement housing, when with a fraction of the cost, 150 year old terraces are still going strong!
Brian
In Birmingham, the 'Octavia Hill ladies' appointed in 1920 were replaced by male rent collectors in 1921. Overall, only 56 women estate managers were employed by 34 councils in 1935. They managed less than 5% of the total council stock.
Jewellery Quarter, Vittoria Street, Back to Back houses, Slum houses, Toilets shared in back yard Brewhouses. Have to fetch water also from Yard. Gas lights.Can anyone point me in the right direction, I am trying to find information on the 'poorer' areas on living in Birmingham during the 19c. Is their any sites that have a great deal of info, or any books published?