The Great Stink of 1858
Compendium
In the 19th century, thousands of gallons of raw sewage from across London were being dumped into the Thames every day. When a summer heatwave hit the city in 1858, it turned the river into a festering, noxious cesspool of filth. Xand van Tulleken reveals how the stench overwhelmed London, spreading sickness and fear
The Great Stink of 1858 airs on 5 HD at 4:00 PM, Sunday 18 May. (Subtitles, repeat.)
Topics
Xand van Tulleken
Presenter
Jamie Simpson
Series Producer
Gemma Singleton
Producer