For over 250 years, London has experienced a consistent trend where deaths have exceeded births annually. This demographic pattern highlights the challenges the city faced regarding population sustainability, particularly in historical contexts marked by disease, poverty, and other factors affecting mortality rates. Bill Bryson, in his book "Shakespeare: The World as Stage," emphasizes this striking statistic to illustrate the harsh realities of life in London during past centuries.

By presenting this information, Bryson provides a backdrop to the era in which Shakespeare lived, suggesting that despite the vibrant cultural scene, the city grappled with significant struggles. This insight not only enhances our understanding of Shakespeare's environment but also allows readers to appreciate the resilience of the population amidst adverse conditions, reflecting a complex interplay between life and death in urban existence.