Join Open City to explore the past, present and future of London's sanitation infrastructure from the Great Stink of London in 1858 to the Tideway 'Super Sewer'
Led by — led by Golden Key Academy graduate and educator Petra Cox, this walking tour follows the final section of the southern outfall sewer across the Erith Marshes to the Crossness Pumping Station on the banks of the River Thames. Built by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and completed in 1865 as part of London’s first sewage system, Crossness is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and engineering.
The tour outlines the development of the Crossness site over its 85 years in operation: from the impact of the Princess Alice disaster to the role of the Crossness Pier and 20th century solutions to London’s waste management.
The walk continues along the Thames riverside path to view the current sewage treatment works and discover how London’s sewage is processed today. Then it’s back to Crossness for refreshments, followed by a look at the Tideway exhibition models to discover the next chapter in the story of London’s sanitation before ending back at Lakeside Centre.
Highlights include Crossness Pumping Station, Precipitation Engine House and Thames Water Sewage Treatment Works.
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