ABSTRACT
Although the family name is well-known, Bazalgette remains a somewhat shadowy figure in Victorian engineering. This chapter draws on contact with the family, on his published reports, on printed Minutes and on the technical press to assess both the man and his work in developing the virtually new field of municipal engineering. Before considering Bazalgette's works with the Metropolitan Board, it is important to consider his early career and set it against the background of sanitary reform which characterised in the nineteenth century. The Metropolitan Board of Works was created by the Metropolis Management Act. The Board acquired powers and was responsible for the built environment. In addition to main drainage the Board was also responsible for a range of other works concerning the built environment of London. These included street improvements, street lighting, new roads, river bridges, ferries and tunnels, flood prevention, and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
