EPISODE · Aug 20, 2025 · 5 MIN
#11 The Great Stink: How a Terrible Smell Saved London
from Curiosity Fuel - Daily stories. Five-minute facts · host Curiosity Studios
In the sweltering summer of 1858, London was brought to its knees by an overpowering stench from the River Thames, which had become an open sewer. This episode tells the story of the Great Stink, how it forced a reluctant Parliament to finally act, and how one brilliant engineer, Joseph Bazalgette, built the modern sewer system that saved the city.
What this episode covers
In the sweltering summer of 1858, London was brought to its knees by an overpowering stench from the River Thames, which had become an open sewer. This episode tells the story of the Great Stink, how it forced a reluctant Parliament to finally act, and how one brilliant engineer, Joseph Bazalgette, built the modern sewer system that saved the city.
NOW PLAYING
#11 The Great Stink: How a Terrible Smell Saved London
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Apr 21, 2026 ·13m
Apr 19, 2026 ·16m
Apr 17, 2026 ·13m
Apr 13, 2026 ·11m
Apr 11, 2026 ·16m