New River Action Group

New River Action Group was established in 1986 to protect, conserve and preserve for the benefit of the public and New River, its immediate environs, associated reservoirs and filter beds and fauna and flora. It is composed of member organisations with London wide and local interests in the New River, and of individual Friends of New River.

In the sixteenth century it became apparent that there was not enough fresh water for the capital's fast growing population. In 1606 a Bill was passed in the House of Lords to cut a new river to bring water to London from Chadwell and Amwell in Hertfordshire. A second act allowing them to use a tunnel to convey the water was passed in 1607. In March 1609 the powers and obligations of these two Acts were passed to Hugh Myddelton a Merchant Adventurer and Goldsmith who was also an Alderman of Denbigh (Wales) and had engineering experience in the form of coal mining. Edward Wright a famous mathematician was employed to survey and direct the course of the river. The plan was met with much opposition as various members of the House of Commons feared the value of their lands would be decreased by flooding and a Bill was introduced to repeal to two Acts. In the meantime the project was running over time and budget. The city granted Myddleton an extension and King James I agreed to provide half the cost of the work in return for half of the profits. The work was officially completed 29 September 1613. The original length of the New river was 38.8 miles, but the distance in a straight line is nearer 20 miles.