Bridge at Ngr Tl 3410 1355

The bridge, built around 1837, spans the improved Hertford cut of the New River. It features ten curved cast-iron arch girders set closely together, with pierced spandrels and an ornamental keystone. The girders have a convex chordal profile and an approximate span of 5 meters, supported by concave curved abutments made of yellow-brown stock brick in English bond. The outer arches and abutments are topped with cast-iron 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, originating from Chadwell Spring near 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, with gauges designed by Robert Mylne. The River Lee Act of 1855 allowed the New River Company and the East London Waterworks Company to take all of the Lea's water, except 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.