As chief
engineer to London's metropolitan board of works in the mid-19th century,
Bazalgette had a significant impact both on London's appearance and, through
his design of an efficient sewage system, on the health of its inhabitants.
In the mid-19th century, London was suffering
from recurring epidemics of cholera. In 1853 - 1854 more than 10,000 Londoners
were killed by the disease. It was thought at the time to be caused by foul
air. The hot summer of 1858 created the 'Great Stink of London', which
overwhelmed all those who went near the Thames - including the occupants of
Parliament. This, together with the frequent occurrence of cholera, gave
impetus to legislation enabling the metropolitan board to begin work on sewers
and street improvements. By 1866 most of London was connected to a sewer
network devised by Bazalgette. Joseph Bazalgette was born in London on 28 March 1819 and died on 15 March 1891. Info: BBC History
To read click here: Joseph Bazalgette (1819 - 1891)
