
Whilst York House was sold to developers for £30,000 in 1672, it wasn't until the late 19th Century that the Embankment was built, under a project by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, narrowing the Thames by about 150 yards at this point.
It seems rather sad that the gate remains today, with no grand house behind it, and no river in front of it. Adrift in a sea of buildings and gardens, but it is pretty nonetheless.
For more on York Water Gate, and York House see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York_House,_Strand
My fave part of his legacy is 'Of Alley' at the top of villiers street....
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