If you happen to be near the Strand, take a few minutes to stroll down Carting Lane — known to locals as Farting Lane — and see London’s only remaining sewage-powered lamp.

A fabulously economic invention, the lamp was built in the late 19th century and was designed to burn off the smells from the stinky sewer beneath. The methane from the waste would be collected and this would power the lamp, setting it aglow all hours of the day. Genius.

While some claim that the lamp was not actually poop-powered and used regular gas to burn away the sewer stench, the lamp was crucial in controlling the smell of the city — although the idea of a sewage-powered lamp is much more fun.

The lamp (nicknamed Iron Lily) was almost completely destroyed a few years ago by a reversing lorry, however it was restored and although it is now definitely powered by regular gas, it still shines all hours of the day.

Tagged as: iron lily, lamp, secret london, the strand

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