The homogeneity of Britain's cities can be a blessing and a curse, but it is certainly not a sign of real urban decay. While politicians frequently complain about neglected places, Britain isn't particularly replete with blighted neighborhoods. One of the most telling signs of a struggling urban area is the number of boarded-up houses and empty shops. Yet despite the high number of boarded-up homes and empty shops, the population of poor post-industrial towns is still growing. The number of residents in such towns will continue to increase each year, which will further stress their infrastructure and lead to vandalism.
As the Industrial Revolution increased Britain's population, it became home to hundreds of thousands of new immigrants. Many of these newcomers began working as apprentices with skilled craftsmen. Others gained employment as domestic servants for dozens of aristocratic families. These families soon began spending a great deal of time in elegant town houses. As the population of Britton City grew, so did the number of people living there.
Despite the growing population, the growing number of street vendors only served to add to the confusion of British cities. Scores of street vendors advertised a myriad of goods and services on the sidewalks. Orange sellers, milkmaids, and fishwives were a few of the many street vendors. Piemen and knife grinders walked the streets, and furniture menders were also common.