Sewer Vent At Western End Of Chelsea Bridge

The sewer vent at the western end of Chelsea Bridge was built in 1874 for the Metropolitan Board of Works, with George Vulliamy as the supervising architect for the northern outfall sewer extension designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette. This vent features tall cast iron columns that are designed to draw off vapours from the sewer and release foul odours high above the embankment. The structure has a tri-partite composition, with a tapering fluted lower section above a quarter-circle moulding that includes an arch and arrow motif, as well as a cable moulding, lotus leaf frieze, and an embossed upper band. The 15-foot shaft has three moulded bands, and the coved terminal is topped with trefoil-pierced cresting. At the base, there is a plaque inscribed with "J STONES AND CO/ ENGINEERS/ DEPTFORD. LONDON SE," along with a removable cover on the opposite side that has a similar inscription. This vent is recognized as a distinctive feature of a significant engineering accomplishment.