The Great Stink of 1858
Season 1
In the 1800s gallons of raw sewage was being poured into the River Thames every year. An unusual heatwave in the summer of 1858 caused an almighty stench, Dr. Xand Van Tulleken explores the impact of "The Great Stink".
Where to Watch The Great Stink of 1858 • Season 1
2 Episodes
- Contagion
E1Contagionn the 19th century, thousands of gallons of raw sewage from across London was 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. - Saving London
E2Saving LondonContinuing the story of the 19th-century smell which dominated London. Xand van Tulleken reveals how Queen Victoria suffered from the stench - during a trip to see Isambard Kingdom Brunel's gigantic ship, the Great Eastern. Plus, Raksha Dave recreates the Great Stink with the help of a special-effects expert.
