I used to be a Riverman on walk 7 along the new River (from Cheshunt Herts - Maidens bridge, Enfield ). We used to cut the Banks with scythes & had Barges full of clay to plug the leaking banks right into the early1980's. Fantastic job.
@@TheHistoryofLondon-PeterStone Yes ! The hut was along the towpath just north of Bullsmoor lane, Enfield. Right near to where the M.25 now cuts across. Quite understandably - the whole silent magic of the River went then - along with most of the nature in that immediate vicinity. Shame.
Fantastic presentation Peter ! Best thing on my TV this Christmas! Having gone to Hugh Middleton school and living in Colebrooke Row in the '60s, it brought back great memories. All the very best for 2024. Thank You
Phenomenal is truly the only word to describe this video! Never let it be said that there is lots of information out there on the New River and another video will not be interesting. Your video is really the best. Packed with information and interesting speakers. I have read Nick’s book on your recommendation and he seems a fascinating man. Rachel seems great too. So knowledgeable. You’d be great together doing a New River walk. The icing on the cake though is that I see that you have been contacted by one of Hugh Myddleton’s descendants. What an honour that must be. I hope they have given you just praise for your fantastic work. It’d be absolutely fabulous if they agree to do a short follow up video with you and impart some family history for us all to share. I watched your other two videos and really enjoyed them. This one though is in a class of its own. Videos of this calibre deserve to take you to Infinity and Beyond as the greatest new You Tuber in London. Well done!
Really enjoyable, glad I found this. I used to live in London but I’ve never heard of the new river, I thought all the modern supply came from the non tidal parts of the Thames or boreholes in the Chalk ( information courtesy of school geography lessons). That underground storage chamber of the Upper Pond reminded me of the Roman storage chamber in Istanbul - it doesn’t look as if the technology had advanced very far in the 17th century. Also interesting because I’m watching this just after the new government has announced its intended legislation to control the private water companies. The 19th cent debates sounded very comtemporary.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching these first three videos, Peter. Ive a new found passion for london history so really looking forward to what else is to come on this channel. If you did take requests, it would be great to see more about some really old housing stock and horses people lived, in particular around Bethnal Green, Spitalfields and Farringdon. 😊 Best wishes for the success of this channel. Simon Stone
Thanks, and glad you enjoyed the videos. More currently being planned. I've often written small pieces about Bethnal Green, Spitalfields and Farringdon, particularly with photos on Instagram. A video would be good... I'll bear it in mind.
I love the New River, what a brilliant documentary! Many familiar sites for me in this video and great to know a bit more about where I grew up :) thank you
always had a thing about Hugh Myddleton since learning about him in Primary School in Islington - never knew about the other bloke though! Fantastic piece, thank you so much. ❤🎉
The information and pictures are really interesting, but could be improved by marking the sites on a map. It takes a long time to find them as the story develops. Delighted that you also explain the most recent failure of the governance system where private owners again broke it, again due to the extraction of excess profits. I hope you're able to document a new solution, currently looking like a return to public ownership.
Why is the route so kinked at Woodberry Down ? The only bit I know is that adjacent to new river studios in Manor House - it's very interesting to understand the context and reason for the name.
I suspect the route was following either the contours of the land, or property ownership. I often walk along the section next to the reservoirs at Woodberry Down, such a good walk around the nature reserve there.
