BRIDGE AT NGR TL 3449 1373

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 arch has a convex chordal profile and an approximate span of 5 meters, supported by concave curved abutments made of yellow-brown stock bricks laid 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, located between Ware and Hertford. By the early 18th century, the water supply had become insufficient. In 1739, a new Act permitted water to be drawn from the River Lea near Hertford, regulated by gauges designed by Robert Mylne. The River Lee Act of 1855 granted the New River Company the right to take all of the Lea's water, except what was needed for navigation. This led to the creation of an improved cut across the King's Meads and the construction of a new Gauge House in 1856, designed by William Chadwell Mylne.