New River (England)
|
|
There are also other rivers called the New River
New_Gauge.jpg
The New River is a man-made waterway in England, opened in 1613 to supply London with fresh drinking water taken from the River Lee and from springs and wells along its course. It starts in between Ware and Hertford in Hertfordshire and travels 32 km down to Stoke Newington. Among the districts it flows through are (from north to south):
- Great Amwell
- Cheshunt
- Enfield
- Wood Green (passing close to Alexandra Palace)
- Finsbury Park
Its original termination point was at New River Head in Islington, close to the current location of Sadler's Wells theatre. The semi-redundant section of the New River's course between Canonbury and Islington town centre now forms a picturesque walk alongside the now shallow stream.
Originally the course was above ground throughout, but more recently some sections have been put underground, enabling the course to be straightened. The New River is still an important link in the supply of water to London.
External links
- Lee Valley Online - New River (http://www.leevalley-online.co.uk/towns/misc/newriver.htm)
- - Story of the New River (http://www.waterinschools.com/newriver/story.html)