150 years of Sewerage in Norwich

The city’s first public sewerage system opened exactly 150 years ago last August, but how were the major geological and topographical challenges overcome in building it? Did it work? Has the system been changed or extended since then?
While preparing on a book about subterranean Norwich, Matt became intrigued by the depth and size of some of Norwich’s sewers, part of a hidden underground system we completely rely on, but hardly ever think about. In this talk, he draws together fragmentary information from a multiplicity of written and visual sources, and has crossed the city looking for manhole covers, to tell the story he calls ‘Norwich’s Netherflow’.
Matt Williams is a chartered geologist and Norwich historian with an interest in tracing continuity from past to present, and in particular in how the city functions as a physical entity - his thesis being that ‘geology drives everything’. He spent 30 years in the construction industry and now enjoys writing local books while working part-time as a professional cycle instructor.

[@peterbustin2683]

Absolutely fascinating! Thanks Matt!

[@subfors]

My father built much of Norfolks sewage network in the 60's and 70's. When they were building Stalhams network they had to uncover trenches that had been recently filled as I believe they were looking for April Fabb who'd gone missing

[@Rossespinne]

I was pondering, only the other day, why the Norwich Arts Centre/St. Swithins no longer had a tower. I assumed it was as a result of the raids during WWII...and then I learn today that its because of the sewage works. Brilliant.

[@kathymcbride2425]

thanks so much happy christmas to you both xx

[@AnthonySelatna-en5le]

I know people have moved to trousers in Norwich and after they moved there they started feeling ill can you tell me why is it because of the sewage plant I’m sure they put chemicals in the sewage

[@AnthonySelatna-en5le]

Why in Norwich on Sundays you smell a very bad stench is that coming from trousers sewage plant

[@alanlake5220]

It's a pity we cant put all that wasted water power into generating some hydro elecrticity, New Mills in the peak district have done a community project generation hydro electricty, surplying the local co-op, and any surplus electricity gets sold throught the national grid .