In 1858, London faced the repercussions of centuries of reckless waste disposal into the River Thames with the infamous event known as “The Great Stink.”
The primitive sewer systems allowed raw human, animal, and industrial waste to be dumped directly into cesspits, culverts, and trenches, creating an unsanitary nightmare. The introduction of flush toilets exacerbated the issue, overwhelming the outdated sewer system and causing sewage to flow into the Thames, the city’s primary drinking water source.
Londoners, unaware of the consequences, believed the waste would be washed out to sea. However, the tideway nature of the Thames allowed waste to accumulate, reaching a critical point by 1858.
A heatwave and dry spell made the river almost stagnant, leading to a nauseating odor that affected even the upper classes. The dire situation prompted action only when lawmakers, unable to escape the stench at the new Parliament location, swiftly passed a bill to fund the construction of a modern sewer system.
Civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette spearheaded the project, designing a revolutionary sewer network that diverted waste away from the Thames. Completed in 18 days, this innovative system, costing around $300 million in today’s terms, not only saved the city from the wretched stench but also significantly improved public health.
Top image: Caricature of scientist Faraday giving his card to Father Thames, commenting on Faraday gauging the river’s “degree of opacity”. The Great Stink caused by the Thames made London unbearable. Source: Wellcome Trust / Public Domain
