Estimate of expense River Thames Purification Bill 1866

The River Thames was the recipient of an increasing amount of raw sewage from London's drains. In 1858 the combined waste products from slaughterhouses, factories and flushing toilets resulted in a noxious smell that severely affected business in the Houses of Parliament. Curtains were soaked in chloride to attempt to mask the smell and the possibility that business be moved to Oxford or St Albans was considered.