Abstract: In the process of urbanization in the British society in the 19th century, there was a disparity between the rich and poor in the cities, and there appeared slums and impoverished areas such as the East End of London.As a result, charitable organizations such as the Peabody Foundation have built model dwellings to improve the awful living conditions of the poor in London.For this reason, many Peabody Square dwellings have been built, and multi-storied apartment buildings and public spaces in the central courtyard have been created.These low-cost, austere and sturdy complete apartments have created a kind of economical and practical housing model for the poor in London.Without considering the national, religious and political attributes of the beneficiaries, this type of dwellings combines the function of apartment housing rights with social moral construction, and ensures the sustainability of the fund from the very beginning.Although in the Peabody Apartments, there are many flaws which have drawn criticism from functionality to appearance, its achievements in providing social housing for London's poor are obvious to all.

Key words: the 19th century, London, the Peabody Foundation, model dwellings