Sir Hugh Myddelton - visionary entrepreneur. In the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I, because of the growing population of London and the progressive fouling of the water supply which included the River Thames, there were various abortive schemes for carrying water to the City from other sources. In 1609 an enterprising goldsmith named Hugh Myddelton undertook the cutting of an artificial channel from springs at Amwell and Chadwell. In Hertfordshire to convey water to the metropolis. in the 17th century this was a most courageous scheme. The whole distance was more than 64kms. The project encountered many difficulties and Myddelton would have been bankrupted had he not succeeded in getting Royal support for his scheme. King James took a half share in the project. In 1613 the New River, as it is still called, reached the New River Head in Clerkenwell. London's first organised supply of clean water was inaugurated by the Lord Mayor. From the New River Head the water was distributed to the City in wooden and lead pipes to those who could afford to have it laid on and to others by water carriers - men with barrels carried on yokes across their shoulders. Hugh Myddelton was created a baronet and is still regarded as a significant benefactor. His statue can be seen on Islington Green.