New River, Gauge Enclosure And Railings On The Meads At Tl 3494 1382

The gauge enclosure and railings on The Meads were built in 1770 and designed by Robert Mylne, who was the architect and engineer for the New River Company. The structure is made of Portland stone and resembles a large chest tomb, resting on stone slabs that span the New River. It features a plinth with cyma recta and scotia mouldings, sides with recessed plain panels, a cornice, and a blocking course. On the north bank, there is a half oval enclosure made of cast-iron railings, which have urn finials at intervals and ogee bracing.

Historically, to enhance the water supply to London via the New River, the company received Parliamentary approval in 1738 to create a cut that connected the New River to the River Lea, allowing them to draw a measured amount of water. This gauge enclosure, known as "The Marble Gauge," replaced an earlier device located at a nearby sluice and was later replaced in 1856 by the New Gauge near Hertford.