The Great Stink of 1858 Report

The Great Stink of 1858 was a crisis in London caused by a severe heatwave that intensified the smell of untreated human waste and industrial effluent in the River Thames. The foul odor prompted public outrage and highlighted the city's inadequate sanitation system. As the smell overwhelmed Parliament, it spurred significant reforms in urban planning and public health. This led to the construction of a modern sewer system designed by engineer Joseph Bazalgette, transforming waste management and improving the overall hygiene and health of London, setting a standard for sanitation in cities worldwide.