What were the gin riots?
Today marks the 250th anniversary of one of London’s most destructive riots, and it all started over an attempt to stop people drinking gin. This was the era of the so-called Gin Craze, when the consumption of gin jumped manifold in the UK, and especially in London.
Why did the Gin Craze happen?
Economic protectionism was a major factor in beginning the Gin Craze; as the price of food dropped and income grew, consumers suddenly had the opportunity to spend excess funds on spirits.
What year was the Gin Craze?
Historical accounts of violence, widespread addiction, and social devastation call to mind the early 80s crack epidemic. Between 1700 and 1760, London was involved in a passionate but staggeringly destructive love affair with gin, popularly known as “the mother’s ruin.” The city was positively drowning in the stuff.
How long did the Gin Craze last?
Today we use the term ‘drug crazed’ but back in 18th century London the poor were ‘gin crazed’. This period is generally perceived to have been 1720 to 1751 but the truth is that these were the dates between which people publicly expressed their concern over the craze.
Why do they call gin mothers ruin?
The gin obsession was blamed for misery, rising crime, madness, higher death rates and falling birth rates. Gin joints allowed women to drink alongside men for the first time and it is thought this led many women neglecting their children and turning to prostitution, hence gin becoming known as ‘Mother’s ruin’.
What was gin originally called?
Fast-forward to the 16th century, when the Dutch began producing a spirit called “genever.” It essentially consisted of a malt wine base and a healthy amount of juniper berries to mask its harsh flavor. It was, of course, a “medicinal” liquid like its predecessors. By the 1700s, it had taken on a new form: gin.
Why is gin called a Mothers Ruin?
What did people drink before gin?
Before gin had come on the scene, Englishmen had drunk beer. English women had drunk it too – up to a point – but beer and the alehouses where it was served had always been seen as basically male domains.
Why is gin nicknamed mothers ruin?
Is gin a depressant?
Yes, gin is a depressant. The fact is alcohol is the depressant but it doesn’t cause depression. If you are depressed then drinking lots of alcohol is unlikely to help but gin will not make you feel any more or less depressed than drinking vodka or whisky.
Which country invented gin?
Holland
Like many of Britain’s national favourites, gin did not originate on our shores. In fact, if you don’t count the Italian monks who are thought to have used juniper berries as flavourings in distilled spirits back in the 11th century, it’s Holland that’s credited as the birthplace of gin.