Post-war homelessness: Makeshift homes between 1945 and the early 1950s

Photographs from the Daily Herald Archive illustrate the different types of places adopted as temporary housing in the aftermath of the Second World War.

A photographic print of Housing, Post War, Post War Difficulties - Squatters, Flats Seized By Homeless - Duchess Of Bedford's House Kensington A photographic print of Housing, Post War, Post War Difficulties - Squatters, Flats Seized By Homeless - Duchess Of Bedford's House Kensington (1946-09-19)National Science and Media Museum

Explore  a wealth of photographs which show the effects of the housing crisis that emerged in Britain after the Second World War came to an end in 1945

Daily Herald Photograph: Paddington housing conversion plansNational Science and Media Museum

The post-war housing shortage

The war impacted the housing available to British civilians in several ways. Many houses had been bombed, the birth rate increased, and some who lost loved ones could no longer afford to run their household alone. It’s estimated that around 750,000 new homes were needed.

By Ian SmithLIFE Photo Collection

Political solutions

The Labour Party won the 1945 general election with a landslide victory, focusing on housing in their manifesto. The initial response involved quick, short-term repairs to existing properties as well as factory-built temporary housing (‘prefabs’), which could be erected rapidly.

Daily Herald Photograph: Concrete shell of two housesNational Science and Media Museum

The New Towns Act of 1946 aimed to tackle overcrowded city centres, and new towns were built with a variety of housing types. Pre-cast reinforced concrete (PRC) homes, built from concrete panels and steel frames, required less skilled labour and could be assembled quickly.

Daily Herald Photograph: Converted pigstyNational Science and Media Museum

Despite these measures, many people remained on council housing waiting lists, and some took matters into their own hands. Solutions included staying in tents; taking shelter in barns, pigsties or other buildings on farmland; and even living in caves!

Daily Herald Photograph: Old caravan near OrmskirkNational Science and Media Museum

However, many chose to seek out other ways of living that might be a little longer term, even if only temporary.

Daily Herald Photograph: Old caravan near OrmskirkNational Science and Media Museum

Caravans

Caravans were a popular choice of temporary housing because they were built ‘fit for purpose’ and ready to move into. Some caravan parks were used as official temporary housing by the government, while others were taken over by the homeless of their own accord.

Daily Herald Photograph: Postwar temporary housingNational Science and Media Museum

Army bases and air raid shelters

After the war ended, many army bases were left abandoned or unmanned; these too were seized by homeless families. The huts were extremely minimalist, and cooking and washing facilities were communal, but the communities living on the bases were often very supportive.

Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in Gladstone Park Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in Gladstone Park (1946-08-19)National Science and Media Museum

Gladstone Park Army Camp in London was a well reported case. Basic furniture was taken to the seized huts and partitions were added inside to create bedrooms. For some families, these small buildings were more spacious than the cramped conditions they had lived in previously.

Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in LiverpoolNational Science and Media Museum

Post-war, air raid shelters were also used as temporary accommodation by the homeless—but only as a short-term solution.

Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in London Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in London (1947-06-30) by Abell, BertNational Science and Media Museum

Squatting in hotels and flats

For many homeless families, the best option was to live in existing housing, even if this meant squatting in vacant or abandoned flats and hotels. Many were evicted, and those that did not comply were often arrested and jailed.

Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in Regent's Park Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in Regent's Park (1946-09-11)National Science and Media Museum

It was typical for families squatting in flats to barricade their doors, and travel from room to room on the exterior the building, via narrow window ledges. Police also guarded entrances, preventing well-wishers from supplying food, bedding and other essentials to occupants.

Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in Bloomsbury Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in Bloomsbury (1946-09-13)National Science and Media Museum

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and marches were held to protest against the housing crisis, usually in favour of the squatters seeking refuge. Petitions were signed in support of squatters, and the gatherings gained them allies who showed sympathy and support.

Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in Bloomsbury Daily Herald Photograph: Squatters in Bloomsbury (1946-09-13)National Science and Media Museum

Over time, the housing situation began to change. In 1957, the Rent Act removed statutory restrictions on private accommodation. The aim of this was to further deal with housing shortages and find permanent homes for those squatting, living on the streets or on waiting lists.

Credits: Story

All images are from the Science Museum Group collection. Copyright Mirrorpix, Hulton Archive/Getty Images, and TopFoto.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
Daily Herald Archive
Discover a snapshot of Britain
View theme
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites