Another of Bazalgette’s red brick creations the Clapham Storm Relief serves both the Southern High Level Sewer No*1 and the Balham & Clapham Extension interceptors, carrying the flow from its overflow/infall in Clapham to its outfall in Vauxhall.

The Beverley Brook Storm Relief Overflow, a 10ft concrete diversion culvert constructed in 1934 after its younger 8ft counterpart (Beverley Brook Storm Relief Culvert, 1925) proved insufficent during severe flooding in 1931. These two, accompanied with several weirs and flow control gates now form the Beverley Brook Flood Protection Scheme.

When it rains, go in drains! When it rains, don’t go in drains! I’ve heard it both ways, and sure each has merit but it depends where you are. Draining mostly in london I’ve become complacent that 90% of the time the water level is going to stay the same. The other 10% however is [...]

he first project of a modern sewer system for Milan was proposed to the City Council in 1868 by engineer Felice Poggi and those at Cesa Bianchi and Bignam. However this project would only cover Milan’s older ”downtown” district and excluded the outskirts past the canals and city wall. Construction was slow and arduous, taking [...]

Theres just something i love about the sewer network of london. Like a pirate treasure trail of drains, just when you think its all over, bang new possibilities flow from the side pipes like last nights curry. X may mark the spot, but sometimes the map might not be accurate. The past few months have [...]

For over four years now, myself along with many others have stooped, stomped and slipped under and across london’s bowels, through sewage, grease, fat and mystery content “X”, always wondering what the next bend had to bring. Our deep fascination with the history that Victorian sewers had to offer encouraging us to brave even the [...]