Watch The Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home

The Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home is a historical documentary series that explores the hazards and dangers of everyday life in the 19th century. The show takes us on a fascinating journey, shining a light on the technologies, habits, and customs that shaped the Victorian home and created a minefield of potential dangers and health risks.

Across four episodes, we see an informed team of experts, historians, and scientists reveal the hidden killers lurking in the most common items found in the home of the Victorian era. From arsenic-laced wallpaper to deadly gas leaks caused by poorly ventilated stoves, they uncover the numerous dangers that threatened the well-being of Victorian families.

The first episode, "Fires," looks at a common evening hazard of the era - the gas-lit home. We learn how the widespread use of gas lighting in urban areas was responsible for countless house fires, explosions, and poisoning deaths. Experts examine the causes of these accidents and explain how the Victorian's fascination with gas lighting created an illusory comfort and safety that was ultimately misplaced. They compare the danger of gas lighting to modern electricity usage and highlight how our understanding of safety progress has changed in recent times.

The second episode, "Poisons," shows how the Victorians used a variety of substances in their homes that were dangerous or even fatal. Toxic chemicals like arsenic were often added to the wallpaper, fabrics, and household items to achieve vibrant colours and prevent pests. The experts examine how this exposure impacted the health of the residents, often leading to slow poisoning and even death. The episode also explores how the lack of government regulation and safety standards allowed manufacturers to use dangerous additives without punishment.

The third episode, "Disease," delves into how people lived and what made them vulnerable to illnesses to which we have since become immune or developed vaccinations. The Victorian era had a terrible cholera epidemic, which was caused by the absence of basic principles that guarantee hygiene and allow us to dispose of human waste in a clean and safe way. There were no toilets, running water, or drains, and the streets were filled with rubbish and animal manure. The episode explains in detail the causes of these illnesses and the multitude of factors that led to their spread, as well as how they were eventually eradicated.

Finally, the fourth episode, "Accidents," tackles those everyday objects that were surprisingly deadly - objects which many people still own and use today. We discover how the lack of safety standards led to accidents like children falling into fires or being suffocated by their own clothing. We also look at how seemingly harmless objects like plants, everyday toys, and pet ownership became equally hazardous in the details of everyday life. The experts explore how small accidents became life-endangering, and what could often save lives in such situations.

The Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home is a captivating documentary series that delves deep into the dangers of everyday life in the 19th century. The historical context is comprehensive and ensures accurate understanding of times gone by. The series brings to light the many hazards and dangers that often went unnoticed in the Victorian home while providing unique insights and perspectives on how their glimmers of understanding of these hidden killers, that haunt us even today. Safehouse Pictures produced the show for the BBC and is available to stream on Acorn TV. Its ease of consumption and engaging outlook make it a must-watch, both for history enthusiasts and mere curiosity seekers.