In some ways, today’s picture looks rather empty, but it shows a view which I liked when I used to live in Hertfordshire. The New River, which flows through the picture, was constructed in the early 1600s to bring fresh water into London; and was improved in the 1800s. At various points along its length, pumping stations were built. This particular one sits in a fairly lonely position between Hertford and Ware, and the emptiness of the photo highlights its isolation, accompanied only by its reflection in the gently flowing waters of the river.
New River pumping station
