If you’ve ever bemoaned that ‘they don’t make things with the same quality they used to’ or that ‘design is so boring and same-y nowadays’, then this is a London spot you won’t want to miss. The Crossness Pumping Station is a stunning place to visit in Abbey Wood. There’s just one catch: it’s technically a sewage station…
But don’t let its nature put you off – this particular place might just be one of the most beautiful buildings in all of London. No, seriously! I’ve been to museums that weren’t as pretty as this sewage station. It’s so pretty that it was even nicknamed the ‘Cathedral of Sewage’.
Crossness Pumping Station
The Crossness Pumping Station dates back to the 1800s, and first opened after ‘The Great Stink of 1858’. To put it simply, unusually warm weather and disagreements on what to do with the city’s sewage systems resulted in a polluted Thames and a putrid smell so bad that it almost drove MPs out of the Palace of Westminster.
To fix the problem, they planned to build two sewers as far away from the city centre as possible. These would drain sewage and allow clean water to flow into the river. And then, just to cap it all off, they decided to make the sewage stations absolutely gorgeous.
Crossness Pumping Station opened in April 1865. It was a fully functioning sewage station until the 1950, after which the site fell into disrepair. Fortunately, volunteer work and funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the English Heritage have brought the site back to life. And now, it’s recognised as a “Grade 1 Listed industrial heritage site and a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, architecture, and design.”
Those wanting to view the sewer-y sight can take guided tours. There are also regular ‘Steaming Day’ events. On these days, the station roars back into life, and visitors can see how it would have worked in the past. (You know, minus the poop…).
Head to the website to find out more and book your visit.
📍 The Old Works, Bazalgette Way, SE2 9AQ.
🚇 Nearest station is Abbey Wood.
