Bridge at Ngr Tl 3451 1372

The bridge, built in 1817, spans the Hertford cut of the New River. It is a prefabricated cast-iron girder bridge featuring perforated spandrels and ornamental keystones that display the date of construction. The bridge has a convex chordal profile with a span of approximately 4.5 meters and a rise of about 450 millimeters. It is inscribed with 'New River Co' and 'Priestfield Iron Works near Bilston' from Staffordshire. The outer arches support cast and wrought-iron post and rail handrails.

Historically, the New River was constructed between 1608 and 1613 by Sir Hugh Myddelton to supply water to London, with a 38-mile water course originating from Chadwell Spring, located between Ware and Hertford. By the early 18th century, the water supply became insufficient. In 1739, a new Act permitted water to be drawn from the River Lea near Hertford, using gauges designed by Robert Mylne. The River Lee Act of 1855 granted the New River Company and the East London Waterworks Company the right to take all of the Lea's water, except for what was needed for navigation. An improved cut was made across the King's Meads, and a new Gauge House, designed by William Chadwell Mylne, was built in 1856.