Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Dr Richard Barnett explores how London life has been shaped by sickness and health. The river has at different times been both a blessing and a curse. Read by Tony Gardner.

For centuries, London was the world's largest city, and a frontline in mankind's battle against disease. Dr Richard Barnett explores how city life has been shaped by sickness and health.

London's geographical location has been both its blessing and its curse. The river has at different times offered the health hazards of both malarial swamp and open sewer, but it has also been a global trading route bringing exotic commodities and foreign cures.

Read by Tony Gardner.

15 minutes

Last on

Sat 6 Dec 2008 00:30

Broadcasts

  • Fri 5 Dec 2008 09:45
  • Sat 6 Dec 2008 00:30

Listen to more Audio Books

Listen to more Audio Books

Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

Sample our books and authors Clip Collection

Interviews, previews and reviews

Subscribe to the Short stories podcast

Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.

Finding Your Story

Finding Your Story

Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?

大象传媒 Arts: Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.