How Did The 1665-1666 Great Plague Of London's Impact On The Development Of Sewerage Infrastructure In The City's Northern Parishes, Particularly In The Areas Surrounding The Fleet River And Smithfield, Contribute To The Subsequent Shift In The Spatial Distribution Of London's Population And The Rise Of Suburbanization In The Late 17th Century?

The Great Plague of 1665-1666 served as a catalyst for significant improvements in London's sewerage infrastructure, particularly in the northern parishes around the Fleet River and Smithfield. These areas, notorious for their poor sanitation and pollution, underwent transformations that included the covering of the Fleet River and enhanced waste management systems. While these changes made the city cleaner and healthier, they also contributed to a shift in population dynamics.

Wealthier residents, seeking even cleaner and less crowded environments, began moving to the outskirts of London, leading to the rise of suburbanization. This trend was further accelerated by the rebuilding efforts following the Great Fire of 1666, which included better urban planning and the creation of green spaces. Thus, the improvements in infrastructure not only made the city more habitable but also spurred the growth of suburbs, marking a significant change in London's spatial development.