Chimneys

Sir Joseph Bazalgette designed and supervised the building of London's first comprehensive sewer system, most of which is still in use today. It followed from the Great Stink - in 1858 - when the smell from earlier poorly designed and maintained sewers reached horrific levels and cholera was rampant. The pumping stations were very ornate as well as functional. One down the Thames at Crossness has been been restored to its high Victorian glory and is open to the public at certain times.