Lecture Note: The Mercenary River

The new series of HHS lectures started last Thursday at the Union Church Hall on Weston Park.
HHS Chair Walter Merricks introduced ex-BBC correspondent Nick Higham who gave a very well received talk based on his book The Mercenary River.

Nick Higham giving his talk
Nick Higham at the HHS, 19 September 2024 – Image courtesy of David Winskill

Speaking for nearly an hour and without notes to an audience both in the room and online, Nick offered a fascinating overview of how water has been supplied to London. Starting with the development of our New River, he covered technology, politics, disease, dodgy commercial practices and how having access to sweet water helped make London one of the world’s great cities.

The October lecture will be given by the HHS Conservation Officer Ray Rogers. He’ll be talking about the development of Highgate’s Hillcrest Estate. Details to follow – hope to see you there!

The Mercenary River by Nick Higham, Published by Headline 2022

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