The Great Stink of 1858

Network:5

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S01E02 - "Saving London"

Aired on Feb 17, 2023, 9:00 PM

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Description

Dr Xand van Tulleken tells how an extraordinary heatwave struck London in the summer in 1858 and a terrible stench began to rise from the River Thames.Ă‚Â

Details

Status: Running
Language: English
Runtime: 60 min
Premiered: February 16, 2023
Schedule: Thursday, Friday at 9:00 PM

External Links

Episodes (1 Season · 2 Episodes)

Contagion

In 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.

Feb 16, 2023

60 min

Saving London

Continuing 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.

Feb 17, 2023