These establishments were often raided by the police, who forced the female staff to be subject to physical examination to prevent the spread of sexual diseases: in 1812, a law was introduced which legalized this practice, allowing forced medical examination and treatment of anyone suspected of carrying a sexual disease.
In the 1830s, the Stockholm city authorities (but not the rest of Sweden) decided to adopt a practice of other European countries and establish brothels supported by the state.
[1] The brothels were named after two cities where sexual diseases were thought common,[1] and established in Gamla stan that same year.
The prostitutes, typically women in their early 20s, were to pay the manager for clothes, cosmetics, food, rent and the alcohol they drank with their clients, which placed them in debt.
"London", which no longer enjoyed state support, is believed to have been closed later that year by its own manager, who feared an inspection.