1. Blake’s poem was written on the back of the great social change
Blake’s poem was written on the back of the great social change. The Industrial Revolution had changed modern society. Mass migration from the countryside to the city meant that they became over populated. And with overpopulation came dirt, disease, crime and poverty. London, and many other cities, were not equipped to deal with this over crowding. The city’s infrastructure was poor, desperately so.
Also, in 1789 the French people overthrew their tyrannous king in what became known as the French Revolution.
Blake was a supporter of this. He wanted an end to the despotic monarchy and short sighted government.
Blake was also critical of the church. As he saw it, their word did not match their deed. They preached sympathy and unity, but let the poor live in poverty and destitution, perhaps even contributing to this by letting children in their care work as chimney sweeps.
He also criticised formal education and the obvious class divisions that were so evident in London at this time.
Blake’s poem was written on the back of the great social change. The Industrial Revolution had changed modern society. Mass migration from the countryside to the city meant that they became over populated. And with overpopulation came dirt, disease, crime and poverty. London, and many other cities, were not equipped to deal with this over crowding. The city’s infrastructure was poor, desperately so.
Also, in 1789 the French people overthrew their tyrannous king in what became known as the French Revolution.
Blake was a supporter of this. He wanted an end to the despotic monarchy and short sighted government.
Blake was also critical of the church. As he saw it, their word did not match their deed. They preached sympathy and unity, but let the poor live in poverty and destitution, perhaps even contributing to this by letting children in their care work as chimney sweeps.
He also criticised formal education and the obvious class divisions that were so evident in London at this time.
Blake’s poem was written on the back of the great social change. The Industrial Revolution had changed modern society. Mass migration from the countryside to the city meant that they became over populated. And with overpopulation came dirt, disease, crime and poverty. London, and many other cities, were not equipped to deal with this over crowding. The city’s infrastructure was poor, desperately so.
Also, in 1789 the French people overthrew their tyrannous king in what became known as the French Revolution.
Blake was a supporter of this. He wanted an end to the despotic monarchy and short sighted government.
Blake was also critical of the church. As he saw it, their word did not match their deed. They preached sympathy and unity, but let the poor live in poverty and destitution, perhaps even contributing to this by letting children in their care work as chimney sweeps.
He also criticised formal education and the obvious class divisions that were so evident in London at this time.

2. Glue
London – Context Card
Glue
London – Context Card
Glue
London – Context Card