Difference between revisions of "New River Co"
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The scheme was completed by [[Hugh Myddleton|Sir Hugh Myddleton]] between 1609 and its official opening on 29 September 1613, water entering the reservoir now called the [[New River Waterworks|New River Head]] at Clerkenwell. | The scheme was completed by [[Hugh Myddleton|Sir Hugh Myddleton]] between 1609 and its official opening on 29 September 1613, water entering the reservoir now called the [[New River Waterworks|New River Head]] at Clerkenwell. | ||
The overall length of the New River was just under 39 miles(even though the direct distance from the springs to London was only 20 miles). A total of 160 bridges were constructed and 60 culverts dug underneath it, to allow passage of brooks, streams, etc. - all in all a major achievement for the engineers of that time. | |||
1700 Supplemented by water from the River Lee | 1700 Supplemented by water from the River Lee | ||
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1811 Robert's son [[William Chadwell Mylne]] was appointed surveyor | 1811 Robert's son [[William Chadwell Mylne]] was appointed surveyor | ||
1816 Proposal to amalgamate with the [[West Middlesex Water Co]] generated opposition on the grounds that a monopoly serving two-thirds of the Metropolis was not in the customer's interest<ref>The Times Mar 11, 1816</ref> but it was pointed out that the '''New River Co''' would improve its situation by replacing its wooden mains with iron ones<ref>The Times Feb 26, 1818</ref> | 1816 Proposal to amalgamate with the [[West Middlesex Water Co]] generated opposition on the grounds that a monopoly serving two-thirds of the Metropolis was not in the customer's interest<ref>The Times Mar 11, 1816</ref> but it was pointed out that the '''New River Co''' would improve its situation by replacing its wooden mains with iron ones<ref>The Times Feb 26, 1818</ref>. As a result the New River Co, when it introduced pumps, was able to raise water to the higher floors in buildings, something its competitors could not do. In addition the company was delivering pure water rather than water from the river Thames<ref>The Engineer 1866/09/14</ref> | ||
1822 The [[New River Co]] purchased the water supply licence of [[London Bridge Waterworks]] which had been dissolved. Later that year, [[Borough Waterworks Co]] purchased the licence from the New River Company. | 1822 The [[New River Co]] purchased the water supply licence of [[London Bridge Waterworks]] which had been dissolved. Later that year, [[Borough Waterworks Co]] purchased the licence from the New River Company. | ||
Revision as of 18:13, 8 November 2019
1602 Edmund Colthurst first proposed the idea
1606 The New River was commissioned by the Corporation of the City of London to carry water from the Chadwell and Amwell Springs to Islington, London; the course of the river followed the contours of the land and had a gradual fall.
After surveying the route and digging the first two-mile long stretch, Colthurst encountered financial difficulties.
The scheme was completed by Sir Hugh Myddleton between 1609 and its official opening on 29 September 1613, water entering the reservoir now called the New River Head at Clerkenwell.
The overall length of the New River was just under 39 miles(even though the direct distance from the springs to London was only 20 miles). A total of 160 bridges were constructed and 60 culverts dug underneath it, to allow passage of brooks, streams, etc. - all in all a major achievement for the engineers of that time.
1700 Supplemented by water from the River Lee
1767 Robert Mylne was appointed assistant surveyor of the New River Co, to work with Henry Mill.
1771 Mylne was appointed surveyor of the New River Co
1810 Mylne retired from his position with the New River Co
1811 Robert's son William Chadwell Mylne was appointed surveyor
1816 Proposal to amalgamate with the West Middlesex Water Co generated opposition on the grounds that a monopoly serving two-thirds of the Metropolis was not in the customer's interest[1] but it was pointed out that the New River Co would improve its situation by replacing its wooden mains with iron ones[2]. As a result the New River Co, when it introduced pumps, was able to raise water to the higher floors in buildings, something its competitors could not do. In addition the company was delivering pure water rather than water from the river Thames[3]
1822 The New River Co purchased the water supply licence of London Bridge Waterworks which had been dissolved. Later that year, Borough Waterworks Co purchased the licence from the New River Company.
1800s Deep wells were dug along the route and pumping stations built.
1850s many of the river's bends were eliminated, saving 12 miles.
1861 Mylne retired
Some parts have been piped underground and today the river flows into Stoke Newington reservoir.
1903 Compulsorily acquired by the Metropolitan Water Board, established to bring the 9 private water companies supplying water to London under a single public body.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Engineering timelines: Sir Hugh Myddleton [1]
- Wikipedia