In the summer of 1858, London faced a crisis so foul it became known as The Great Stink. For centuries the River Thames had been used as the city’s dumping ground. Industrial waste, rubbish, animal carcasses and human sewage all flowed into the river. As London grew during the Victorian period, the situation became unbearable. The smell was so bad that Parliament reportedly soaked its curtains in chemicals in an attempt to block out the stench.
The solution came from one remarkable engineer: Sir Joseph Bazalgette. Bazalgette designed and built London’s revolutionary sewer system, constructing vast tunnels beneath the Thames and creating the elegant Victoria, Albert and Chelsea Embankments above them. His system transformed the city and remains one of the greatest feats of Victorian engineering.
Today, more than 150 years later, London is building a new chapter beneath the river, the Tideway Super Sewer, a massive tunnel designed to prevent sewage from entering the Thames and protect the river for generations to come. In this episode of London Stories, we explore the remarkable history hidden beneath one of London’s newest riverside gardens. A story of engineering, public health, and how London solved one of the worst smells in its history. If you enjoy London history, hidden stories, and exploring the city, consider subscribing for more walks through the past. Connect with me on other platforms:
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