The Leather Tanneries

Tanning leather was a smelly process involving soaking animal hides in urine and other chemicals.

Tanneries were typically located on the outskirts of the city but the odors often drifted into residential areas.

Dyers and Brewers

Dyeing fabric and brewing beer also produced strong odors from vats of fermenting liquids, chemicals, and waste.

These trades contributed to localized pockets of foul smells.

 Death and Decay: The Smell of the Plague and Public Executions

Plague Outbreaks

Periodic plague epidemics devastated London’s population, killing thousands.

Mass graves and decomposing bodies produced horrific odors, especially in times of plague when burial could not keep pace with deaths.

Execution Sites

Public executions were common and sometimes carried out near populous areas.

The bodies of executed criminals and animals awaiting disposal contributed to the stench of death.

Conclusion: Living with the Smells of Medieval London

The five worst smells of medieval London—human and animal waste, garbage, industrial odors, and the scent of death—were a constant part of urban life. They shaped social attitudes toward cleanliness, health, and urban planning.

While medieval Londoners had limited means to combat these odors, their experiences influenced the gradual development of sanitation policies and infrastructure that laid the groundwork for modern public health.

Understanding these smells offers a vivid sensory connection to the past and a reminder of how far urban living conditions have evolved. shutdown123