Castle Mill Stream facts for kids
The Castle Mill Stream is a small branch of the River Thames in the west of Oxford, England. It's like a side channel that flows away from the main river and then usually rejoins it later. This stream is about 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) long.
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Where Does the Stream Flow?
The Castle Mill Stream starts its journey from the main River Thames. This happens at the southern end of a large open area called Port Meadow. It begins just before a bridge called Medley Footbridge.
The stream then flows between Port Meadow on one side and Cripley Meadow on the other. Cripley Meadow is mostly used for small gardens called allotments. After this, the stream goes under the Cherwell Valley railway line. It then turns south, running next to the Oxford Canal and the railway tracks. On the other side of the tracks is the Castle Mill housing area for students from the University of Oxford.
Bridges and Locks Along the Way
Further south, you'll find the Isis Lock. This lock connects the Castle Mill Stream to the Oxford Canal. It allows boats to move between the stream and the canal. A short channel called Sheepwash Channel also leads west from the stream. It goes under the railway tracks to connect back to the main River Thames.
The stream then flows under several bridges. These include Hythe Bridge on Hythe Bridge Street, Pacey's Bridge on Park End Street, Quaking Bridge, and Swan Bridge. Swan Bridge was once known as Castle Bridge. These bridges are located outside the old medieval city walls of Oxford, close to Oxford Castle. The stream continues under Oxpens Road before finally rejoining the River Thames. This happens just before the Gasworks Bridge.
A Look Back in Time: History of the Stream
The Castle Mill Stream has been an important part of Oxford for a very long time. Its path was changed quite a bit by people during the Saxon and early Norman periods. There was even a mill here before Oxford Castle was built!
Empress Matilda's Escape
A famous story from 1142 involves the stream. During a war, Empress Matilda was trapped inside Oxford Castle. She was fighting King Stephen for the throne of England. One winter night, she made a daring escape! Her guards lowered her over the castle walls. Matilda was wearing a white dress, which helped her blend in with the snow. She quietly crept through the enemy lines. She then crossed the frozen Castle Mill Stream to get away to safety.
From Busy Waterway to Quiet Stream
In the Middle Ages, the stream was used by boats. People would transport goods like hay, wood, stone, and slate. These items were unloaded at a special dock near Hythe Bridge.
However, things changed when the Oxford Canal was built. The canal offered an easier way for boats to reach the center of Oxford. In the late 1700s, a lock called Isis Lock was built. This allowed boats from the Thames to easily get onto the canal. After this, the Castle Mill Stream was no longer used much for transporting goods. It became a quieter part of Oxford's waterways.
Images for kids
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The Castle Mill Stream at Quaking Bridge.
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The restored Old Malthouse on the Castle Mill Stream and Tidmarsh Lane, dating from the early 19th century.
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On the left is the walkway along the Castle Mill Stream, leading from St Thomas' Street to Park End Street.
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The Castle Mill Stream, near Oxpens Road.
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Looking the mill stream towards Oxford Castle.
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The Castle Mill Stream flowing under Hythe Bridge.
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Isis Lock, linking the mill stream (right) and the Oxford Canal (left).
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The railway bridge over the mill stream near Port Meadow, north of Oxford railway station and just south of Walton Well Road.
