Question

What was the average life expectancy of laborers in urban Liverpool in 1842?

• A. 15 years
• B. 25 years
• C. 35 years
• D. 40 years

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

15 years

Poor nutrition, disease, lack of sanitation, and harmful medical care in these urban areas had a devastating effect on the average life expectancy of British people in the first half of the 19th century. The Registrar General reported in 1841 that the average life expectancy for labourers in urban areas were 15 in Liverpool, 19 in Leeds, 39 in Rutland and 17 in Manchester. Hence, Option A is correct. In rural areas of England it was 40 years of age but was only 35 in London and an alarming 25 in Haley. Since the rest of the figures correspond to rural population, and not urban labourers, hence, these are incorrect.