London, the capital city of England, has a long and fascinating history. One of the most significant developments in London’s history was the establishment of a sewer system. The sewer system transformed the city from a stinking, unsanitary mess to a cleaner and more hygienic place to live.
So when exactly did London get its sewer system? Let’s take a closer look.
Before the Sewer System
Before the sewer system was built, London was a very different place. Waste and sewage were simply dumped onto streets or into rivers, leading to terrible odors and unsanitary conditions. This made diseases such as cholera rampant in the city.
Attempts had been made to address this issue prior to the construction of the sewer system. For example, in 1376, King Edward III ordered that waste should not be thrown into the streets. However, these early measures were largely ineffective.
The Great Stink
It wasn’t until 1858 that serious action was taken to address London’s sanitation problem. That year, a heatwave hit London, causing sewage in the Thames River to ferment and produce an overpowering stench. The smell became so bad that it caused Parliament to temporarily close down.
The incident became known as “The Great Stink”, and it finally motivated officials to take action.
Building The Sewer System
In response to The Great Stink, Parliament commissioned civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette to design and construct a new sewer system for London. Bazalgette’s design involved building over 1,000 miles of underground sewers that would collect waste from homes and businesses and carry it out of the city.
Construction began in 1859 and took several years to complete. The project was incredibly expensive – it cost around £4.2 million (equivalent to over £500 million today) to build.
Impact of the Sewer System
The sewer system had an immediate impact on the city’s sanitation. It greatly reduced the amount of waste and sewage on London’s streets, and helped to prevent diseases such as cholera from spreading.
The sewer system also had a more long-term impact on the city’s growth and development. By improving sanitation, it made London a more attractive place to live and work. This, in turn, helped to fuel the city’s rapid expansion during the 19th century.
Conclusion
In summary, London got its sewer system in the mid-19th century, following “The Great Stink” of 1858. The sewer system was designed by Joseph Bazalgette and involved building over 1,000 miles of underground sewers.
The system greatly improved sanitation in London and helped to prevent diseases from spreading. Today, it remains an important part of the city’s infrastructure and history.