The water supply, too, was not good. Old-fashioned wells and pumps, sunk in a crowded city full of cesspools and graveyards, could not have furnished a healthy supply. Of course there was the water brought by the city from Highgate and Hampstead, and there was the New River, but it evidently was not sufficient for the use of the inhabitants, or it would not have been hawked about.
'NEW RIVER WATER!'
More was furnished by the Thames Water Works by means of a huge water-wheel, which worked many force-pumps, and which was erected by a Dutchman named Peter Morrice, in 1582. This occupied a position on the old bridge, similar to its being placed close to the stairs by Fishmongers' Hall at the present time. Although the river was infinitely purer than at present, yet, being tidal, and the supply being taken from in shore, it could not have been good for drinking purposes. There was a new company formed to work this machine, and in the London Gazette, Oct. 28/ Nov. 1, 1703, is an advertisement: 'This is to give Notice to such Persons as have subscribed for Shares in the Thames Water, That the Transfers of the said Shares will be ready to be made to the respective Subscribers to-morrow the 2nd Instant, being the last day limited in the Contract, at Mr. Nicholas Opie's in Bartholomew Lane, where the said Contract or Subscription Roll now lies.'
Hatton says in his 'New View of London' that 'besides the old work erected by Mr. Morris, the New placed in the 4th Arch of the Bridge consists of 2 Wheels with 7 Engines set up about the Year 1702, so there are in all 13 Engines.
'They are the contrivance of that great English Engineer Mr. Sorocold, whereby the Thames Water is raised from the N. end of the Bridge to a very great altitude, by which means many parts of the City &c. are served with the Thames Water. The Flux and Reflux of the Water worketh the Engine. Here are several Proprietors who serve Houses for the most part at 20s. per Ann. paid quarterly, and they have proportionately more from Brewhouses, &c., according to what they Consume. To this Company also belongs the Works at Broken Wharf and the City Conduit Water.
'The Old Stock was 500 Shares, and valued at 500l. a Share, since which those Shares were divided into 1,500 Shares, each valued at about 100l. per Share. They pay the City 700l. per Ann. for the Conduit Water, and about 10l. per Ann. for the Bridge; Also 300l. to Sir Benj. Ayloff or his Assignees for the Broken Wharf, to which place 2 of the Engines at the Bridge do Work, and there are also at that Wharf 2 Horse Works.
'They chiefly serve Goodman's Fields, Minories, Houndsditch, White Chapel, and Birchin Lane.
'Merchant's Water Works are in Hart's Horn Lane.[83] He serves with the Thames Water by Horse Work and Engines. His Rates are 20s. per Ann.
'Mill Bank Water is raised and laid into Houses in the Parish of St. Margaret's, Westminster, from the Thames. The Water House is situate on the E. side of Mill Bank, for which the Proprietors, who are in Number 5, had a Patent granted them by K. Charles 2 about the Year 1673. Their Stock and Income is divided into 8 Shares. Rates are at least 10s. per Ann., but commonly 20s., and for Brewers and extraordinary Occasions more than so many Pounds.'