Civil, water and mining engineer who brought clean water to the City of London with the New River scheme, transforming the health and quality of life of London’s citizens.

City of London Connections

Myddelton was born in Denbigh, North Wales and moved to London in 1576 at the age of 16 and became an apprentice Goldsmith. From 1597 he lived between both London and Denbigh. Records show that he was an Alderman of the City at that time with local records stating that he was a merchant adventurer.

He was born in the middle of Queen Elizabeth I reign, during a period when a world of international trade was opening up for England beyond the known boundaries of Europe. He embraced the trading opportunities, travelling alongside his brothers who were linked with the East India Company.  He was also an active member of the Society of Merchant Adventurers which contributed to the growth and wealth of the City of London.

London was a dirty city.  Filth and poverty was making it unpleasant and unhealthy.  Contaminated water was part of this problem and there was little distinction between sewage and drinking water.

In 1603 he served as a Member of Parliament for Denbigh.  In 1605 both Hugh and his brothers served on a Parliamentary Commons Committee to consider how to bring fresh water from the River Lea in Hertfordshire to central London where lack of clean water was the major impediment to growth of the City.

In 1609 the Corporation of the City of London adopted the findings of the Parliamentary Commons Committee to construct a 38 mile long (New River) to bring clean water from springs in Hertfordshire into the City.  The project got into financial difficulties and Myddelton stepped in to overcome financial and implementation concerns using his considerable skills to both access capital including monies from King James I and engineering and project skills to deliver the project which opened in 1613, the year Hugh became Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company and his brother Thomas became Lord Mayor of London.

The waterway is still in operation today bringing water into London.

Contribution to Engineering during Lifetime

Myddelton’s greatest contribution was bringing an abundance of clean water to the City of London and transforming the health of its citizens.

In 1617 Sir Hugh worked the mines of the company of Miners Royal in Cardiganshire which was was established in 1604.  Previously an unprofitable operation, Sir Hugh through his engineering feats turned around the project and mined so much gold for the Royal Mint that he was subsequently made a Baron.

Legacy

Following his death on December 10th 1631, Sir Hugh was laid to rest in the Church of St Matthew in the City of London where he served as a Church Warden.

In 1821 Myddelton Terrace was built in London followed by a few years later Myddelton Square and additional terraces were added.

In 1845 a statue of Sir Hugh was made by Samuel Joseph, placed in a niche on the north side of the newly built Royal Exchange.

In 1862 a marble statue of Sir Hugh, sculpted by John Thomas, was erected along with a drinking fountain on Islington Green.  It was unveiled by William Gladstone who was then Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In 1904 the New River Head Company was absorbed into the Metropolitan Water Board and resulting funds from the acquisition were bequeathed by Myddelton to the Goldsmiths Company.

The community in Islington named both a primary and secondary school after Sir Hugh.

In 1982 a plaque marking the 350^th Anniversary of his death was placed on a wall behind St Mark’s Church in Myddelton Square (pictured right).

References and Further Reading

Sir Hugh Myddelton – Intriguing History

Notes from The Oak Room, New River Head, Thames Water

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Sir Hugh succceded in bringing clean water to the City of London in the 17th Century and as a direct result, greatly improved the health and wellbeing of its citizens, an essential precursor to the sustainable development of trade and economic growth.

SDG Targets 6.1; 6.4; 6.5

Images courtesy of the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators