Home ownership was rare in the early 20th century, when 90% of householders were tenants. Housing became a hot topic during the first world war when it was reported that the army had to reject many potential recruits due to poor health caused by insanitary living conditions.
Then when the war was over soldiers who had risked their lives for their country would be returning to the same overcrowded and unhealthy accommodation. This would not be “the homes fit for heroes” promised by the government.
Living conditions in 1918
Like most towns, High Wycombe had families living in unacceptable conditions. The worst dwellings were in the area to the west of the town centre known as Newlands. This was eventually demolished as part of the government’s slum clearance programme, but not until the 1930s. It.is now the location of the Eden Shopping Mall.