New River (London)
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The New River is an artificial waterway in England, opened in 1613 to supply London with fresh drinking water taken from Chadwell and Amwell Springs near Ware in Hertfordshire, and later the River Lea and other sources. Originally conceived by Edmund Colthurst and completed by Hugh Myddelton, it was operated by the New River Company for nearly 300 years until London's water supply was taken over by the Metropolitan Water Board in 1904.
The New Gauge House (1856) where water leaves the River Lea at the start of the New River
The New River in Enfield Town Park
Straight section of the New River passing through Bowes Park.
The New River in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. This short section of the New River was recreated as an amenity for the park after long abandonment. (September 2005)
London's water supply infrastructure has developed over the centuries in line with the expansion of London.
Fountain in Trafalgar Square
Chelsea Waterworks, 1752. Two Newcomen beam engines pumped Thames water from a canal to reservoirs at Green Park and Hyde Park.
Standpipe Tower at Brentford
The waterworks buildings at Hampton