1831 First Cholera epidemic resulted in 13,000 deaths.

1842 Chadwick's Report on the Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring population of Great Britain.

1848 Second Cholera epidemic resulted in 21,000 deaths.The First Public Health Act was passed which set up a General Board of Health in London, which could create local Boards of Health.

1853 Third Cholera epidemic resulted in 15,000 deaths.

1858 The 'Great Stink', the River Thames became so polluted that Parliament had to stop meeting because of the smell.

1866 Fourth Cholera epidemic resulted in 6,000 deaths.

1871 Local Government Board set up to supervise local authorities and to take general responsibility for public health.

1872 Second Public Health Act was passed. As result sanitary authorities were set up and all authorities had to appoint a Medical Officer of Health.

1875 Third Public Health Act was passed. This set up Local Boards of Health and forced the appointment of Health Inspectors and Sanitary Inspectors.

1902 London's water supply was taken over by the London County Council, previously it had been supplied by eight water companies, only five of which had filtered the water.