Instead the River was converted into the New Canal with wharves that were used by the coastal coal trade from the north east of England. Even Bridewell Palace itself was turned into a prison.Īfter the Great Fire of London in 1666, Christopher Wren proposed widening the River Fleet, but this proposal was rejected. The area around the River Fleet became known for poor-quality housing and prisons. The River Fleet was a major river in London in Roman times, but over the years as London grew, it became increasingly more polluted until eventually it turned into an open sewer. There is also the Viaduct Pond and Vale of Health pond. One pond is a mixed bathing pond, one is for wildlife, and one is for fishing. Today there are three ponds on the southwest corner of Hampstead Health. Even up until the 1960s you could see white linen drying on Hampstead Heath. This was until 1851 when an act was passed in Parliament stating that water companies must properly treat the water they supplied.Īfter this, Hampstead became abundant with clean water, and a central place to clean laundry. These ponds would be used as reservoirs to supply Kentish town and the West End.Īfter the ponds were created, the name of the area was changed to Vale of Health, but despite its name, the water was not healthy or clean. The western area of Hampstead Heath used to be called Hatchett’s Bottom, and was a water logged marsh until the 17th century when the Hampstead Water Company drained the area and built ponds. Hampstead Heath is the only place where the River Fleet still flows above ground. If you use this guide to plan your walk please tag us with in any photos on Twitter and Instagram! The only parts of the River Fleet which remain above ground today are in Hampstead and Highgate.īelow is a list of points along the original course of the River Fleet. Today the River Fleet is still used as a sewer, but runs almost entirely underground. It was these slums around the River Fleet that became the inspiration for Fagin’s den on Saffron Hill, in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Areas around the river were slums and dwellings full of disease. In Victorian times, the River Fleet was known for being an over polluted sewer. The Jubilee Line, which travels along part of the river’s course, was also meant to be named the “Fleet Line” before the name was changed in 1977. The River Fleet has also given its name to places in London such as Fleet Street, and Holborn (the southern part of the Fleet was named “Holbourne”. For example, the unusual building line adjacent to King’s Cross Station follows the original course of the river. Although most of the river now runs underground, it is still possible to walk the original route of the river.Īs you walk the river’s former path, you will see how it has shaped some of London’s landscape. The River Fleet runs for 3.7 miles from Hampstead Health to the River Thames at Blackfriars. FAQs About the Lost River Fleet in London.
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