The Fleet-Street sewer, 1845. Creator: Unknown
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The Fleet-Street sewer, 1845. Creator: Unknown
The Fleet-Street sewer, 1845. Underground waste system in London. It appears that although Sewers have been constructed in London for upwards of four centuries, it is only within the last ten or fifteen years that the drainage of the City has been satisfactorily accomplished. Hitherto, it was very defective and imperfect; some of the smaller streets having a Sewer, while the larger thoroughfares, as Cheapside, Ludgate Hill, &c. had none...however, this evil has been remedied; and the Sewerage is now nearly completed...The Sewer of Fleet-street...having been found insufficient to carry off the water, for which it was intended, it became necessary to cut deeper, and construct a new sewer: the greatest requisite depth is 25 feet, which decreases to about 17 feet near Temple Bar.... From " Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII
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Media ID 20550112
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Construction Fleet Street London England United Kingdom Pipe Pipes Prop Props Sanitation Sewer Sewer System Subterranean Support Underground Waste Working Man Workman Workmen Illustrated London News Sewers
The Fleet-Street Sewer, 1845 - A Glimpse into London's Underground Waste System
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print takes us back to the bustling streets of Victorian London in the year 1845. The image showcases the intricate network of sewers that were crucial for maintaining sanitation in the city. Created by an unknown artist, this engraving was featured in the "Illustrated London News" during a time when significant improvements were being made to London's drainage system. The caption reveals that despite centuries of sewer construction, it was only within the last decade or so that effective drainage had been achieved. Prior to these advancements, smaller streets had sewers while major thoroughfares like Cheapside and Ludgate Hill lacked proper waste management systems. To address this issue, a new sewer was constructed beneath Fleet Street as its predecessor proved inadequate for handling water flow. This required digging deeper into the ground, reaching depths of up to 25 feet near Temple Bar. The print captures workers diligently laboring underground with props and supports to ensure their safety. This historical snapshot not only highlights the progress made in improving public health but also pays tribute to the hardworking men who dedicated themselves to such vital infrastructure projects. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come in managing urban waste systems and provides insight into life during this transformative period in British history.
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