3-003-960 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

London Main Drainage: works at Barking Creek Outfall, 1861. '...there is poured into the River Thames every day about sixty millions of gallons of sewage, the filthy washings, scourings, and cleansings of the three millions of people who inhabit the mighty city that has grown up on its banks. It is with not a little pleasure, then, that we have taken up for illustration and description the main-drainage works now being carried out, because, according to the report of the engineer who superintends them, we may hope in the course of two years or thereabout to see the Thames assume its original character. We cannot make sure of catching salmon at London-bridge so soon as that, but we may certainly expect at the expiration of the time stated to see the Thames a clear, wholesome stream, attractive for its natural beauties and adding to the healthiness of the metropolis generally. The object sought to be carried out by the works called the London Main Drainage is to intercept the sewage in its progress towards the river, and divert it by covered channels to Barking Creek, on the north side, and Erith Marshes on the south'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.