The Great Stink of 1858

Dr. Xand van Tulleken explores the sweltering summer of 1858, when an unprecedented heatwave enveloped London, unleashing a foul odor from the River Thames. As temperatures soared, the combination of stagnant water and inadequate sanitation systems led to a public health crisis. The stench not only affected daily life but also prompted urgent discussions about the city’s infrastructure and hygiene. Through vivid storytelling, the documentary delves into the social and political ramifications of this period, revealing how the Great Stink ultimately spurred significant changes in urban reform and public health policies.