London stories

A 130-tonne whopper of a blockage

This small but mighty river was vital to life in the Roman and medieval city

Give thanks for the modern flush

Taming a city’s-worth of sewage

Until the 1800s, the Westbourne flowed through the countryside and could safely quench your thirst

Flowing under Mayfair and Buckingham Palace, the Tyburn shaped some of London’s wealthiest areas

Lambeth’s famous hidden river was once the source of colourful London myths – and frequent flooding

A smell so incredibly awful it demanded a modern sewer solution

A vital part of London life since the Romans