Resolving the sewage question: Metropolis Sewage & Essex Reclamation Company, 1865–81 1

The City of London further developed over the mid-nineteenth century to become the world's premier financial mart. ² Its global ascendancy was assisted by the liberalization of company law, while most displayed in the facilitation of a mounting volume of capital exports. Although the market's expanding capacity and increasing effectiveness are beyond question, considerable doubts have gathered over whether it adequately met all domestic needs. ³ David Reeder put this issue in particular terms through querying the extent to which City houses raised resources for investment within London itself. He noted the establishment of Metropolis Sewage & Essex Reclamation Co. in 1865 as an example. ⁴ This chapter further explores his specific concern and example by considering the context of this company's origins, its formation and subsequent 'life' during early and mid-Victorian England.