A Brief History of Public Toilets in the UK

Before Public Toilets

Before the Victorian era, options were limited. Chamber pots were emptied into streets, and the Thames was essentially an open sewer.

The summer of 1858 was hot, and the Thames smelled so badly that Parliament was forced to adjourn. This finally prompted action.

With underground sewers in place, the first public toilets emerged. George Jennings installed public conveniences at the Great Exhibition of 1851.

1852: First public toilets on Fleet Street, London

1858: Bazalgette's sewer construction begins

1880s: Underground "conveniences" become common

From the 1980s onwards, public toilets began to disappear due to budget cuts, anti-social behaviour concerns, and changing retail landscapes.

Technology – Apps like Where To Wee making toilets easier to find

Inclusivity – More gender-neutral facilities

Changing Places – Better facilities for those with complex needs

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