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Coffin Beds and Penny Sleeps: An Exhibition on Victorian Homelessness
- DanBC 6y agoThe Wikipedia article also has some interesting bits and more photos. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_penny_coffin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_penny_coffin > At the low end was a penny sit-up, where a homeless client could get food and shelter from the cold in exchange for a penny. He was allowed to sit on a bench all night, but was not allowed to sleep. For an additional penny, there was the "two penny hangover". It was like a penny sit-up except that a rope was placed in front of the bench. The client was allowed to sleep when he leaned on (or hung over) the rope during the night. He was not allowed to lie down flat on his back and sleep. For four pennies, a homeless client could stay at a coffin house. > He received food and shelter. Moreover, he was allowed to lie down flat on his back and sleep in a coffin shaped wooden box. The client was given a tarpaulin for covering.