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Meanwhile in Beer Street and Gin Lane...
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Harm Jagerman

Meanwhile in Beer Street and Gin Lane…

Meanwhile in Beer Street and Gin Lane… it was disorder. The Gin Craze was the reason for William Hogarth (10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) to produce engravings bearing two poems, Beer Street and Gin Lane. The engravings and poems exemplified how what was described as the Gin Craze was handled at the time. The only question is, who wrote the poems?

About this article

This article previously appeared on The Ministry of Poetic Affairs website. This website was active between 2016 and 2018. After that, the website was active in 2020 and 2021. The website was an initiative of De Goede Huisvader, also responsible for Artigenda. That’s the reason why you can now find this article on this website.

What was the Gin Craze?

The Gin Craze was a period in the first half of the eighteenth century in Great Britain, when the consumption of gin surged dramatically, especially in London. This era, roughly spanning from the late sixteenth century to the mid-eigteenth century, was marked by widespread social issues due to the excessive and unregulated drinking of gin.

Origins and causes

The Gin Craze began after the accession of William of Orange (Willem III)(November 4 1659 – March 8 1702) in 1688. To weaken the French economy during a time of political and religious conflict, the British government restricted imports of French brandy and encouraged the production of gin as an alternative. This led to a significant increase in gin production and consumption, especially among the poorer classes, as gin was cheap and readily available.

Social impact

The rapid rise in gin consumption had severe social consequences. Gin became known as “Mother’s Ruin” due to its association with poverty, crime, and moral decay. The streets of London were filled with gin shops, and the drink was blamed for a host of social ills, including increased drunkenness, neglect of children, and a rise in criminal activities.

Legislative response

In response to the growing crisis, the British government passed several acts to control gin consumption. The most notable were the Gin Acts of 1736 and 1751. The 1736 Act imposed high taxes and licensing fees on gin sellers, but it was largely ineffective due to widespread illegal production and sale. The 1751 Act was more successful, as it introduced stricter regulations and penalties, leading to a gradual decline in gin consumption.

Cultural depictions

The engravings by Hogarth together with the accompanying poems are considered as the cultural depictions of the Gin Craze. The poems emphasized the devastating effects of alcohol consumption in eighteenth-century London.
Beer Street
Beer Street.
Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Beer, happy Produce of our Isle
Can sinewy Strength impart,
And wearied with Fatigue and Toil
Can cheer each manly Heart.
Labour and Art upheld by Thee
Successfully advance,
We quaff Thy balmy Juice with Glee
And Water leave to France.
Genius of Health, thy grateful Taste
Rivals the Cup of Jove,
And warms each English generous Breast
With Liberty and Love!

William Hogarth

Beer Street

The poem “Beer Street” depicts a vibrant and prosperous community where beer is the drink of choice. The poem that accompanies this engraving celebrates the virtues of beer, portraying it as a wholesome and beneficial beverage that promotes health, happiness, and productivity. The imagery in the engraving shows well-fed, contented citizens engaging in various productive activities, highlighting the positive impact of beer on society.
The poem reinforces this message by describing beer as a source of strength and joy, contrasting it with the destructive nature of gin. It praises the moderate consumption of beer, suggesting that it leads to a thriving and harmonious community.
It’s more than obvious that the poem contains an outdated message. When comparing beer to gin, it is too rosy to argue that beer would be so much better.
Gin Lane.
Gin Lane.
Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Gin, cursed Fiend, with Fury fraught,
Makes human Race a Prey.
It enters by a deadly Draught
And steals our Life away.


Virtue and Truth, driv'n to Despair
Its Rage compells to fly,
But cherishes with hellish Care
Theft, Murder, Perjury.


Damned Cup! that on the Vitals preys
That liquid Fire contains,
Which Madness to the heart conveys,
And rolls it thro' the Veins.


William Hogarth

Gin Lane

In stark contrast, “Gin Lane” presents a grim and chaotic scene where gin consumption has led to widespread misery and decay. The accompanying poem paints a bleak picture of the consequences of gin addiction, depicting it as a scourge that brings about poverty, crime, and death. The engraving shows emaciated figures, neglected children, and scenes of violence and despair.
The poem underscores the destructive nature of gin, warning of its ability to ruin lives and communities. It serves as a moral lesson, urging people to avoid the perils of gin and instead embrace the more wholesome and socially beneficial beer. This is another outdated message from the eighteenth century.

Who wrote the poems?

We know Hogarth made the engravings. That one got plenty of attention in the centuries that followed. Who got much less attention was the person who wrote the accompanying poems, and there is a good reason for that. The engravings can be seen “separately” from the poems and vice versa is impossible. Thus, the engravings received much more attention than the poems and therefore Reverend James Townley (6 May 1714 – 15 June 1778) received much less attention. He wrote the two poems.

William Hogarth.
William Hogarth.
Source: Wikimedia Commons.
James Townley.
Reverend James Townley.
Source: Wikimedia Commons.

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