Researchers from the London School of Economics (LSE) and Lancaster University have embarked on a remarkable journey, recreating the intricate tapestry of Victorian London within the immersive realm of Minecraft. This innovative project, aptly named “Charles Booth’s London,” is the result of a collaboration with the Minecraft design company Blockworks, utilizing the renowned Poverty Map crafted by Charles Booth, which resides in the LSE library.
A Glimpse into History
The original Poverty Map, a groundbreaking document, color-codes the streets of London based on the income and social class of its residents. This vivid representation of societal disparities not only illuminated the harsh realities of poverty during the Victorian era but also catalyzed significant social reforms, paving the way for the establishment of the UK’s welfare state.
Players begin their adventure in a familiar setting—the modern-day LSE library—before being transported back in time to when the site was known as King’s College Hospital. From this historical launchpad, participants can embark on six distinct “walks,” each offering a series of quests designed to breathe life into the Victorian landscape. Whether it’s apprehending thieves in Seven Dials Market, navigating the sewers of Bedford Square, indulging in a shopping spree at Covent Garden, or engaging in the quintessential Victorian task of chimney sweeping, players are invited to explore what their daily commute might have looked like in 1886.
Crafting a Realistic Experience
To ensure an authentic representation of the era, a dedicated team of 15 professional Minecraft builders, alongside two academics, meticulously crafted over 1,000 new blocks and textures. Their efforts were informed by an extensive collection of 2,000 pages of notes compiled by George Duckworth, Charles Booth’s assistant, detailing the visual characteristics of London’s streets.
Professor Sally Bushell, one of the Lancaster University scholars involved in the project, expressed her enthusiasm in a recent BBC interview: “The LSE world build was a fascinating one to make because it was so closely linked to the Booth Archive. I really enjoyed reading and mapping out the original walks in the notebooks held at LSE and then bringing them to life.”
A Monumental Undertaking
This ambitious endeavor, comprising over 45 million blocks, took two years to complete. Beyond the historical quests, the game also allows players to interact with more than 200 characters, including notable figures such as Beatrice Webb. A key member of Booth’s research team, Webb emerged as a prominent social campaigner and co-founder of LSE alongside her husband, Sidney Webb, in 1895.
In a statement on LSE’s website, Beth Clark, LSE Library Associate Director, remarked, “LSE’s motto and founding purpose is about understanding the causes of things for the betterment of society. It seems very fitting, therefore, that we are able to share such a fantastic educational resource while celebrating our 130th anniversary.”
Featured image via YouTube/Google Maps
