The Great Stink of 1858

The Great Stink of 1858 was a major public health crisis in London caused by the overwhelming smell from the polluted Thames River, exacerbated by a hot summer. Raw sewage and industrial waste flowed into the river, creating a foul odor that affected daily life, including impacting the Houses of Parliament. The crisis prompted urgent reforms in sanitation, leading to the construction of an extensive sewer system designed by engineer Joseph Bazalgette. This significantly improved public health and urban hygiene, setting a standard for modern sewage systems and highlighting the importance of infrastructure in urban environments.