Census facts:
The steel town - Population
In the 19th century, Motherwell became the centre for Scotland’s steel production. In 1841 the town’s population was just 726. Forty years later, in 1881, the population of ‘Steelopolis’ is 12,904.
*From Scotland's Census 1841 and 1881.
Coughs and sneezes spread diseases - Health
The rapid growth and overcrowding of Scotland’s urban population during 19th century industrialisation led to unprecedented problems of public sanitation. Meager bathing, shared facilities and poor sewage systems meant that diseases spread like wildfire. Without an NHS equivalent many were left untreated. It wasn’t until the 1889 Local Government Act for public health affairs that an organised response was developed to tackle the situation.
*Scotland's Census is only interested in general health.
Catch of their day - Culture
The late 19th century saw a boom in the herring trade. As the Scottish herring fishery expanded it outstripped its European rivals and became the largest fishery in the world. By 1880, some 7000 boats in Scotland were interested in this fishy business.
*Scotland's Census doesn't ask for details of your occupation.
Contemporary historical facts:
1883 - The Scottish author Robert Lewis Stevenson publishes his adventure novel Treasure Island.
1885 – Karl Benz develops the first petrol-driven car, causing a technological revolution through the mass explosion of car use.
1886 – Crofters Holding (Scotland) Act 1886: following decades of campaigning after the devastating ‘Highland Clearances’, the crofters finally get rights of tenure on their land. This act becomes known as the ‘Magna Carta of Gaeldom’.
1887 - Sherlock Holmes, the fictional character created by the Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first appears in publication in ‘A study in scarlet’.