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The secret life of sewers

The secret life of sewers

12°C · 19% rain

Very strong gusts — outdoor events sometimes cancel in this.

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About This Event

A panel led by historian Professor Rosemary Ashton and others explores London's sewer history at Carlton House Terrace in London on 13 October 2026. The discussion covers public health transformation, Victorian engineering feats and the politics of sanitation, supported by an exhibition from Crossness Pumping Station.

Join our expert-led panel as they explore how London's sewers transformed public health, with an exhibition from Crossness Pumping Station.

From the Big Stink and Bazalgette’s engineering feats to the infamous fatberg, the sewage pollution scandal, and the new super sewer — London's history is interwoven with what (and how) we flush away. Sewers are one of the most transformational interventions to human health in history, yet they are rarely understood or recognised for their impact.Join historian Professor Rosemary Ashton FBA, architectural theoretician Dr Paul Dobraszczyk, and prominent pollution activist Professor Peter Hammond as they reveal the captivating secrets of the systems that flow beneath us. Uncover the connections between Victorian engineering feats, London’s social history, and the politics of public health, and leave with a new appreciation for your toilet.

Alongside the discussion, explore London’s own ‘Cathedral of Sewage’, Crossness Pumping Station, through an immersive exhibition.

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Important Information

As tickets are free, we release more than the available seats to account for no-shows.

Entry is first-come, first-served. We recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment.

A ticket does not guarantee entry to the main event space. If it reaches capacity, you'll be directed to the bar next door to watch a live stream.

This event will also be recorded and live-streamed on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheBritishAcademy).

This event has live subtitles delivered by 121 Captions (https://www.121captions.com/about/).

See information about the accessibility of the venue (https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/about/accessibility-at-the-british-academy/).

If you have any questions about this event, please refer to our Public Events FAQs (https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/ZNywCV1KUvWglTQU5zR?domain=eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com). If your question is not answered, please email events@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.

The British Academy is a registered charity, number 233176.

Description supplied by the event organiser.

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Check-in: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
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Frequently asked questions

The secret life of sewers takes place on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 18:00.

The secret life of sewers is held at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace in London (10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH).

Tickets for The secret life of sewers range from £0 to £15. Live prices and availability are shown on Eventbrite.

The forecast for The secret life of sewers is Light drizzle · 12°C. Very strong gusts — outdoor events sometimes cancel in this.

Yes — hotels within walking distance of 10-11 Carlton House Terrace can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.

Tickets for The secret life of sewers can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

Price

Free – £15

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