A talk by the author: The Mercenary River: A History of London’s Water
Join us for a fascinating journey through London’s rich history of water supply and management with journalist Nick Higham. Discover how London, one of the world’s largest and wealthiest cities, overcame the challenge of providing clean water to its citizens for centuries. This captivating talk is based on Nick’s latest book, “The mercenary river: private greed, public good: a history of London’s water,” which explores the technological, scientific, and organizational advancements as well as the greed, complacency, and politics that went into London’s water supply journey. Learn about the impact of the New River, an impressive state-of-the-art aqueduct that was completed in 1613 and is still a part of London’s water supply today, and how its building company became one of the first and most profitable modern corporations. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of water in London!
Event Type: In-Person Event
Date: 23 February 2023 (Thursday)
Time: 17:00 – 18:00 GMT*
Venue: Atmosphere Room, School of Geography and the Environment
Register for the event here.
* This event will be followed by an informal chat over Tea/Drinks for another hour.
Speaker Profile
Nick Higham, A Journalist and Former BBC Correspondent
Meet Nick Higham, a renowned journalist from London with a career spanning 30 years at the BBC! With 15 years as the BBC’s arts and media correspondent and as the host of the popular show “Meet the Author” on the BBC News Channel, Nick has established himself as a leader in the field. He brings his passion for London’s water to the forefront with his latest work, inspired by the New River and the extensive research he conducted at the London Metropolitan Archives. Get ready to dive into the rich history of London’s waterways with Nick Higham!
This event is hosted by the Oxford Water Network.
