Starting work on the Thames Embankment in 1862.

Starting work on the Thames Embankment in 1862. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: H4465_20040405105225

Description: An 'Illustrated London News' engraving the depicting the commencement of work on the Thames Embankments in 1862. Embankments had been planned for centuries, but little was done until the adoption of Joseph Bazalgette's scheme to remove London's sewage. Bazalgette's Embankments concealed sections of his intercepting sewers, and avoided the huge cost and inconvenience of digging up central London streets. They reclaimed nearly 10 hectares (22 acres) of mud, and also concealed a section of the Metropolitan Railway, the world's first underground railway line.

Creator: 'Illustrated London News'

Date: 6 September 1862