The Great Stink

What was the Great Stink?

A heatwave in the summer of 1858 caused the River Thames to smell much worse than it usually did, due to the evaporation of water. As a result, the river had a more concentrated sewage content.

How did Parliament react to the Great Stink?

The smell was so bad that politicians in the Houses of Parliament, next to the river, demanded to meet somewhere else. MPs asked for help from Joseph Bazalgette, a civil engineer.

What was the significance of the Great Stink?

The Great Stink of 1858 had 2 main effects.

• ❖ The sewer system beneath London was built, which greatly improved conditions in the city.
• ❖ The Great Stink marked the end of the laissez-faire attitude of government.