Prostitution in Victorian Colchester

In 1856 Colchester saw a huge influx of soldiers into the town when a new army camp was built. One of the side-effects of the arrival of so many soldiers was a rise in prostitution and the incidence of venereal disease in the town. Prostitution in Victorian Colchester: controlling the uncontrollable is a very readable study by Jane Pearson and Maria Rayner about how Colchester dealt with these problems. In researching the book they compiled a database of about 350 prostitutes working in the town, some of whom are named in the book. An excellent read, particularly for anyone with Colchester ancestors.