Back When | History Podcast

The Great Stink | London's Smelly History

Back When | History Podcast

Show Notes

It's the height of summer in 1858 and something rotten is lurking in the river Thames. Historian James Grasby unravels the smelliest side of our recent history as we step back into Victorian London to discover the Great Stink. Hear how politicians scrambled to keep the stench out of parliament and find out what the smell meant for the working classes.

[Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos. Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

Production Presenter: James Grasby Producer: Jack Glover Sound Design: Jesus Gomez

Contributors Laura French (Crossness Engines Trust)

Discover more This story has been made possible with our friends from the Crossness Engines Trust, for information on visiting and for more of London's murky history please visit: http://crossness.org.uk/

Join us and other environmental charities to help to look after our waterways by visiting https://marchforcleanwater.org/ and https://theriverstrust.org/key-issues/sewage-in-rivers

If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at [email protected]

More from Back When | History Podcast

Mar 25, 2026

Back When is wrapping up and we wanted to say a massive thank you for time travelling with us over all our stories.

Mar 11, 2026

The Farne Islands are a group of 28 islands off the Northumberland coast in England’s Northeast. They are home to Atlantic grey seals and a breeding colony of sea birds, but they are also the former residence of a courageous, but very modest, Victorian heroine.

Feb 25, 2026

Have you heard of the Burke and Hare murders? Sixteen people killed in under a year. Join Helen Antrobus as she explores one of history’s most notorious killing sprees, and its links to body snatching. [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos. Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

Feb 11, 2026

Behind the grand exterior of Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire is a secret history, that lay hidden for decades.

Jan 28, 2026

What was life like at The Workhouse? Join James Grasby as he becomes an inmate and tours an atmospheric Workhouse building in Nottinghamshire. With its bare walls and floors, cast iron beds, and the hollering voices of costumed re-enactors, a visit to the Southwell Workhouse is a sobering experience. [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos. Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

See all episodes →