Tuesday Tidbit: Gin

William Hogarth, Gin Lane

GIN, CURSED FIEND, WITH FURY FRAUGHT, MAKES HUMAN RACE A PREY. IT ENTERS BY A DEADLY DRAUGHT AND STEALS OUR LIFE AWAY. ~ REV JAMES TOWNLEY, 1751 

Gin was cheap and easy to find. "In 1730, around 10 million gallons of gin were being distilled in the Capital each year and sold from 7,000 dram shops. In fact, it’s estimated that the average Londoner drank a staggering 14 gallons of the stuff a year!" 18th Century Gin Craze | Sky HISTORY TV Channel

And this was before the Gin Palaces. Yes. Really. 

In Smuggler's Captain, I mention the ill effects of gin several times and how it destroyed families. Personally, I love a good gin and tonic. But 14 gallons a year?!

The Complete and Slightly Insane History of Gin in England | VinePair

Gin, also known as Mothers Ruin (historic-uk.com)

A History of Gin And The 18th-Century Gin Craze - HistoryExtra