New River (England) - Definition and Overview

There are also other rivers called the New River

The New River is a man-made waterway in England, opened in 1613 to supply London with fresh drinking water. 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 in Islington, closeby the current location of Sadler's Wells theatre.

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

• http://www.leevalley-online.co.uk/towns/misc/newriver.htm - Further info on the river
• - Its history and further information (http://www.waterinschools.com/newriver/story.html)