John Snow and the Cholera Pump in Soho, London

Just after Christmas, when on an errand, I stopped at a little piece of London history that so many of us just pass by without giving it a second glance. Thinking that this was unfair after a cycled past, I turned back and propped my G-Line up against it and had a closer look. 

In the heart of Soho, London, a significant event in public health history took place in the mid-19th century. This revolves around a man named John Snow (not that one I know you are thinking of), who is often hailed as the father of modern epidemiology. His work during the cholera outbreak of 1854 changed the way we understand disease transmission and public health.

Soho, at the time, was a bustling area filled with narrow streets, crowded homes, and a mix of pubs and shops. (Some of you who know the area today, might suggest that not a great deal has changed). It was a vibrant part of London, but it also faced serious health challenges. Cholera, a deadly disease caused by contaminated water, was sweeping through the city, claiming thousands of lives. People were terrified, and no one seemed to know how to stop it.

John Snow, a physician with a keen interest in the causes of diseases, was determined to find out what was behind the cholera outbreak. He had a theory that cholera was spread through contaminated water, rather than the commonly believed idea that it was caused by ‘bad air’ or miasma. To prove his point, he needed to gather evidence.

In September 1854, Snow decided to investigate the outbreak in Soho. He meticulously mapped the cases of cholera in the area, noting where each victim lived. His research led him to a particular location: Broad Street, now known as Broadwick Street. Here, he discovered that many of the cholera cases were clustered around a public water pump on the street.

Snow acted. He approached the local authorities and convinced them to remove the handle of the pump, effectively shutting it down. This was a bold move, as many people relied on that pump for their drinking water. However, Snow was confident in his findings. Once the pump was disabled, the number of new cholera cases started to decline dramatically.

His work didn’t just stop there. Snow continued to gather data and present his findings to the public and medical community. He published a detailed account of the outbreak and his investigation, which helped to shift the understanding of how cholera was transmitted. His work laid the groundwork for modern public health practices, including the importance of clean water and sanitation.

The Broad Street pump became a symbol of Snow’s hard work. Today, a genuine replica of the pump stands near the original location, serving as a reminder of the importance of public health and the role that John Snow played in saving lives. I do wonder what he might have made of the person making retching noises like a cat coughing up a fur ball, projectile vomiting about 10 metres away, who was perhaps entering or exiting an office Christmas party!? We can but speculate. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!