Henry Mayhew was a pioneering Victorian social researcher and reformer known for his work documenting the lives of London's impoverished and working-class populations. His detailed interviews and writings provided a rare glimpse into the struggles, employment, and social conditions faced by ordinary people during the 19th century, making significant contributions to social history and journalism. Mayhew's approach combined sympathetic reportage with a commitment to revealing systemic issues that affected the underprivileged. His most famous work is "London Labour and the London Poor," a multi-volume series based on extensive fieldwork. In these writings, Mayhew collected firsthand accounts, photographs, and observations about street vendors, beggars, and other marginalized groups, shedding light on their daily realities. His work not only aimed to inform the public but also to advocate for social reforms and better conditions for the working class. Henry Mayhew was born in 1812 and began his career as a journalist, quickly developing a reputation for his investigative style and humanitarian concern. His dedication to uncovering social injustices made him a key figure in Victorian social reform movements. Mayhew’s efforts helped to influence public policy and change perceptions about poverty and labor during his time, leaving a lasting legacy in social research and journalism.