The New River was built in the early 17th Century as a canal to convey drinking water from a spring in Hertfordshire to a reservoir in Myddleton Square, behind Sadler's Wells. The canal is now redundant and much of it has been filled in. Canonbury is fortunate in having a long section of the original waterway and this provides a very pleasant area for walking and a pleasant outlook for many houses. A flow of water in the River is maintained by pumping water upstream. This is necessary to control the growth of water weed. The maintenance and cleaning of the waterway is undertaken by volunteers known as the Friends of the New River Walk. The Society has financially supported and encouraged the work of the friends. Those wishing to get involved and become a Friend are invited to contact Jack Lambert on 0207 359 8315.
The New River was built in the early 17th Century as a canal to convey drinking water from a spring in Hertfordshire to a reservoir in Myddleton Square, behind Sadler's Wells. The canal is now redundant and much of it has been filled in. Canonbury is fortunate in having a long section of the original waterway and this provides a very pleasant area for walking and a pleasant outlook for many houses. A flow of water in the River is maintained by pumping water upstream. This is necessary to control the growth of water weed. The maintenance and cleaning of the waterway is undertaken by volunteers known as the Friends of the New River Walk. The Society has financially supported and encouraged the work of the friends. Those wishing to get involved and become a Friend are invited to contact Jack Lambert on 0207 359 8315.