In Victorian London, the infamous 'stinkpipes' served a critical function in mitigating the foul odors resulting from the lack of a centralized sewage system. During the notorious period known as the Great Stink, the River Thames became overwhelmed with raw sewage, prompting government intervention and the temporary relocation of its operations to Oxfordshire. The stinkpipes were constructed as part of reforms initiated in 1858, funneling harmful gases like methane and ammonia above the heads of Londoners. While no longer functional, these pipes remain as historical reminders of the city's past sanitation struggles and the importance of modern sewage systems.
These vertical iron tunnels, known as 'stinkpipes', were constructed during the Victorian era to channel noxious sewer gases away from Londoners' heads.
During the Great Stink, the government relocated to Oxfordshire due to the unbearable stench, resulting in the decision to implement stink pipes and a centralized sewage system.
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