essential for the use of each, to convey it to the height of some of them, rendered indispensable the aid either of very elevated reservoirs, or more powerful machinery than that possessed by the London Bridge Works. But the low state of their funds prevented the proprietors from contemplating the attainment of such costly objects; and if a deficiency of pecuniary means had not proved an insuperable impediment to their desire of making necessary improvements, there existed a very great difficulty, if not an almost impossibility, of procuring proper sites for the construction of reservoirs, or the erection of large steam-engines. Besides, even if they could have obtained the situations best adapted to that purpose, from their being probably covered with buildings, the amount of the purchase would consequently be so enormous as to make the attempt on their part unavailing.

Other causes also had some influence in discouraging any disposition to incur expense in making improvements, and at the same time tended to depress the value of the establishment; but the circumstance that chiefly affected their prosperity, was the New River Company having their iron pipes laid down through nearly the whole range of the city, and likewise being in possession of all the means for abundantly conveying water to any desired elevation. Thus the power of immediately affording an ample supply wherever it might be required, invested them with peculiar advantages for obtaining a preference which greatly diminished the number of the London Bridge Company's tenants. Hence, these and various concurring circumstances, powerfully operated against the success of the London Bridge Works, so as eventually to render them unprofitable, that their discontinuance would perhaps have been the inevitable consequence

if erecting the present new bridge had not occasioned their removal.

Although the water-works at London Bridge have ceased to exist, yet, for a long period, a considerable portion of the inhabitants of the city, both experienced and acknowledged their utility; but their locality, as well as some other disadvantages, equally conspired to affect their ultimate welfare. The source and means of obtaining the water, as well as its immediate conveyance for use, commonly in a turbid state, and often very muddy, had a tendency to produce unfavourable impressions, exclusive of other cogent reasons of a different kind. Nearly the whole of their pipes being wood, they were incapable of sustaining the pressure necessary for conveying water into the higher stories of many houses, even in situations where the water-wheels had sufficient power to force it to the required altitude. For such a purpose iron pipes were indispensable; but the same want of pecuniary means, which prevented the proprietors from constructing elevated reservoirs, and erecting large steam-engines, likewise disabled them from adopting the extensive use of iron pipes. Deficiency of capital, therefore, proved an insuperable obstacle to any feasible efforts to place themselves in a proper condition for successfully contending with more powerful competitors. Besides, at the period when the other water companies were established, and laying down iron pipes, the erection of the New London Bridge was in contemplation. This circumstance probably had considerable influence on the decisions, as well as concurred with the indigence of the company in suggesting the propriety and advantage of refraining to engage in any expensive attempts to effect improvements. Events have demonstrated the wisdom of this precaution, for the building of the new bridge

has occasioned the annihilation of the water-works, which had essentially served the purposes of a a large and populous city for centuries. The wheels and other machinery having been altogether removed, those houses which formerly received their supply of water from this source, now derive it from the New River, and East London Works.

When Mr. Soams had completed his purchase of the London Bridge Works, with all their concomitant advantages, it has been already stated, that he divided the whole property into 300 shares of 501. each. Subsequently, however, another division of it was made into 1500 shares of 100%. each; and these fluctuated so much in their value, that their gradual deterioration occasioned them to be sold at 50%. each, only a few years previous to the final termination of the concern. The following statement will show the extent of their operations a short time before the final destruction of the works. According to the return made to the parliamentary committee in 1821, the annual rental derived from them was 12,2667.; the number of houses supplied, 10,417:-and the quantity of water 26,322,705 hogsheads.

Previous to the demolition of the works, the persons then possessing the property, transferred all their leases derived from the city to the New River Company for the consideration of 3750l. payable annually for 260 years, being at the rate of 27. 10s. for each share. Besides the Act of Parliament obtained by the Corporation in 1822, for the purpose of removing the old bridge, and erecting a new one, contained a clause, which sanctioned the conveyance of a portion of the tenants formerly supplied from London Bridge to the East London Company, on the condition of the latter paying to that of the New River, an annuity of 1607. for the period of

260 years. That part of the Southwark, which had previously received its supply from the London Bridge, was also conveyed to the proprietor of the Borough Works for an annual consideration of 10607.

It may be confidently stated, that the supplying of water to the city, from the New River, has proved advantageous to its residents, for the supply is not only more abundant than formerly, but also more regular at all seasons of the year, and in every situation, whatever may be its altitude. Exclusive of the ready and effective assistance afforded by this company in cases of conflagration, or other emergencies of a serious nature, their rates are very low, amounting merely to about one farthing the hogshead. Indeed, the completeness of their operations, enable them in a high degree to serve and benefit the community; and their exertions evidently facilitated the removal of the London Bridge Works, which, to a certain extent, had actually become a nuisance upon the river. Besides, if even in a pecuniary point of view, their own interests may have been promoted by the change, nevertheless, the service thus rendered to the public is, perhaps, very inadequately compensated by the emolument resulting from efforts equally useful and important.

CHAPTER III.

Circumstances relating to the original construction of the New River. Acts of Parliament for the purpose. Pusillanimity of the Corporation of London. Enterprising spirit of Sir Hugh Myddelton: engages to construct it at his own expense: his great difficulties and refusal of the Corporation to render him any assistance. Pecuniary means for Completing the Works afforded by James I. Rejoicings on the occasion of Water first entering the Reservoir at Clerkenwell. Mr. Robert Mylne's monumental erections to the Memory of Sir Hugh Myddelton at Amwell, with Inscriptions. Place of his Birth, and pecuniary circumstances at the time of his Death.

NOTWITHSTANDING the number of conduits erected at different times in various parts of London, as well as the other modes adopted for supplying water to its inhabitants, the quantity proved inadequate to the demands of a constantly increasing population. But among the diversity of schemes for obviating complaints and effecting this important purpose, during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth and her successor James the First, one is entitled to particular notice, inasmuch as it subsequently led to the construction of the New River.

In the latter part of the reign of Elizabeth, the Corporation of London obtained an Act of Parliament to empower them to cut a river for conveying water to the city from any part of Middlesex, or Hertfordshire; and ten years was the time specified for the execution of the plan. Although legal authority was thus actually procured, yet either a deficiency of capital, or the absence of an ardent spirit of enterprise, prevented any efforts being made to realize the project. Circumstances, however, occasioned the