New River

The New River is a human-made waterway. For 400 years it brought water from natural springs in Hertfordshire to a pond on this spot. From here, water flowed down to the City of London in wooden pipes.

Hundreds of workers dug the river’s winding path. It ran through Enfield, Haringey, Hackney and Islington. People bathed and fished on its banks, even though it was patrolled by watchmen to keep them away.

Today the river ends at Stoke Newington Reservoirs. It still provides 10% of North East London’s clean water.