Jacob's Island
Jacob's Island
Date: 1951
Dimensions:
255 x 315 mm
Medium: Water-colour
Object number: GA1344
DescriptionFormerly between the present Jacob Street and the river, this was the worst slum in Bermondsey. Residents drew water from the mill's stream or 'Folly ditch' and cholera was rife. In Oliver Twist (published in instalments 1837-39), Dickens has Bill Sikes ending his days there. After 1860 the ditch was filled in and the area demolished.
Culture: Story of Southwark