Bathing and Toileting
Most sailing ships, including the Tranby, provided only basic toilet and bathing facilities. Authorities at the time, complained that even these were under-used and that the ship's sailors often had to wash the upper decks which the passengers had used as open-air toilets. Some steerage passengers at the time, had never used a 'privy' or a 'water closet' before. In some cases, buckets of water were used to flush contents down to the bilges [under the Steerage], which were emptied when the ship finally docked at port. The smell would have been disgusting.
Some sailing ships had a grated area, at the bow of the ship, through which people defecated. These were called 'the Heads'. The toilet was placed in the bow above the water line with vents or slots cut near the floor level allowing normal wave action to wash out the facility. Only the captain had a private toilet near his quarters, at the stern of the ship. |
The toileting process became much worse in storms, or during the night, when passengers in steerage were locked in and no lights were allowed. Accidents were messy affairs. As many people did not understand the basic rules of hygiene, and toilet paper had not been invented, rags [or tow-rags] or clothes were soaked in vinegar and hung in the toilet [or 'Heads'], or through the deck, to be used by all. After using the 'head', the sailor could then clean his backside with the wet rag then drop the rope back over the side. This led to the spread of diseases like dysentery and typhoid. Deaths at sea were common.
Cleaning
On better managed sailing ships, the areas below deck were thoroughly cleaned every few days by sailors and many of the women in steerage. Bedding, which was usually made of straw, attracted fleas and cockroaches. People brought up their bedding in fine weather to shake it out and air it. However, in storms and bad weather, the bedding was often soaked through, and this led to outbreaks of influenza and pneumonia.
In the overcrowded conditions in Steerage, epidemics were common. Most victims were babies and young children, who often died of complications and lack of medical care. Infected passengers often came on board, having passed undetected through pre-boarding medical checks. Tuberculosis, an infectious disease of the lungs, was one of the most dangerous diseases.
In the overcrowded conditions in Steerage, epidemics were common. Most victims were babies and young children, who often died of complications and lack of medical care. Infected passengers often came on board, having passed undetected through pre-boarding medical checks. Tuberculosis, an infectious disease of the lungs, was one of the most dangerous diseases.
Sleeping Berths
The sleeping berths were disinfected as often as possible, using a mixture of vinegar and chloride of lime. But often the cracks in the wooden slats of the bunks harboured lice, cockroaches and fleas. It was not uncommon for rats or mice to be found in the beds and bedding. Steerage passengers were required to clean their own berths, and this is how many would begin their day. Emigrants were often restricted in their movement on board. Single men were usually berthed in the bow, married couples in the middle, and single women in the stern. 'Cabin' class passengers had exclusive use of the poop deck and entertained in their cabins or the saloon. Passengers with lower classes of passage, could enter this area by invitation only.
Many people in the nineteenth century didn't bathe regularly and the connection between personal hygiene and disease was not well understood. Due to the cramped and overcrowded conditions in Steerage, people could not really take baths and made do with a clean-up with a damp cloth under a blanket. Most people did not have the room to change their clothing and often wore the same garments or clothing for the entire voyage. Facilities for washing clothes were very restricted. Underclothes were virtually unknown to many people at the time, deodorants were not used and many people did not clean their teeth.
One can only imagine the smells of soiled baby cotton nappies, grubby clothes, and unwashed bodies in a crowded environment.
Many people in the nineteenth century didn't bathe regularly and the connection between personal hygiene and disease was not well understood. Due to the cramped and overcrowded conditions in Steerage, people could not really take baths and made do with a clean-up with a damp cloth under a blanket. Most people did not have the room to change their clothing and often wore the same garments or clothing for the entire voyage. Facilities for washing clothes were very restricted. Underclothes were virtually unknown to many people at the time, deodorants were not used and many people did not clean their teeth.
One can only imagine the smells of soiled baby cotton nappies, grubby clothes, and unwashed bodies in a crowded environment.
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