The New River

A 17th Century waterway whose advanced construction techniques far surpassed those of the 18th century canal builders

Through Canonbury - 2

The New River originally ran in the open all the way to Stoke Newington. The former course becoming a tree lined feature along the middle of Petherton Road by 1870. The lie of the land has altered so much that none of the former course as far as Petherton Road can be seen. . The piped section beneath Wallace Road itself dates from 1865 (originally Douglas Road North.) The course once veered westwards in a short loop, the space has been taken up by the adjacent railway station and a cul de sac.

Looking from Canonbury Station southwards along Wallace Road. At the far end is St Pauls Road and the start of the New River walk. The water was piped under this section by 1865.

Beyond Canonbury station Wallace Road becomes Petherton Road

The tree lined centre reserve in Petherton Road that was once the New River course

The name still lives on in properties along Petherton Road such as at this block of flats

At the north end of Petherton Road despite this pathway the course of the New River is still obvious.

This is the end of our trip through the Canonbury section of the New River. Things have been a bit quiet since the New River walk - but now things start to get really interesting! The junction of Petherton Road and Green Lanes might seem like any ordinary junction with a church to one side. The above view is of the spot where Newington Green bridge once stood. Find out more by going to the next section which covers Stoke Newington