London’s Cholera Epidemics

London's cholera epidemics, occurring primarily in the 19th century, were outbreaks of a deadly disease caused by contaminated water. The most infamous occurred in 1854, when thousands died. At the time, the link between dirty water and illness wasn’t well understood. Physician John Snow mapped cases and discovered a connection to a contaminated water pump on Broad Street. His work helped establish the importance of clean water and sanitation in public health, leading to improvements in London's water supply and paving the way for modern epidemiology and urban sanitation practices.