Clewer Mill Stream facts for kids

Upstream entrance to Clewer Mill Stream above Bush Ait

Clewer Mill Stream at French Brothers just above the downstream confluence

Clewer Mill Stream re-entering the main channel above Queen Elizabeth Bridge

Clewer Mill Stream is a small, winding waterway connected to the River Thames in Windsor, Berkshire, England. It branches off the main river near Bush Ait and flows back into it just before the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. This stream is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long. It gets its name from a watermill that it used to power a long time ago.

The Mill's Story

An Ancient Waterway

For hundreds of years, since the 900s, Clewer Mill Stream has been important for the nearby village of Clewer. It provided food (from fishing), power for the mill, fresh water, and a safe place for boats. It also offered a way to reach the main River Thames.

The Famous Corn Mill

The corn mill at Clewer was first mentioned in a very old record called the Domesday Book. This book was made in 1086 to list everything in England! The mill was valued at 10 shillings back then. There has been a building on that spot ever since.

In 1781, the mill sadly burned down. Its machinery was very special, so much so that King George III had even visited it! After the fire, the mill was rebuilt. Even though new weirs (small dams) were built at Romney and Boveney Lock, which changed the water level, Clewer Mill kept working until the late 1800s.

Fun Times at the Stream

Eton College Adventures

Clewer Mill Stream was once a secret favorite spot for boys from the famous Eton College, a nearby school. Even though it was officially "out-of-bounds" (meaning they weren't allowed to go there), many boys would sneak off to explore it. If a younger boy was caught "shooting" (hunting water birds) in the stream, an older student could give him a punishment of 100 lines to write!

Sculling and Daring Feats

An old story from the 1840s describes how exciting it was to row a small boat, called a skiff, up the stream to the mill. Boys would wait until the miller was having dinner. Then, they would carefully carry their skiff around the large mill wheel and launch it into the stream above the wheel. This part was considered "really dangerous" because of the strong current!

Modern Uses

Royal Windsor Racecourse

The land between Clewer Mill Stream and the main River Thames is a large meadow called The Rays. This area, which is about 165 acres (0.67 km²) big, has been used for horse racing since 1866. Today, it is the home of the Royal Windsor Racecourse.

Boating and Marinas

The upper part of Clewer Mill Stream, starting from Bush Ait, acts as the entrance channel for the Windsor Racecourse Marina. This part of the stream is deep enough for boats, usually about 11 feet (3.4 meters) deep. However, it can be much shallower during dry periods. The lower section of the stream, below the marina, is not usually used by motorboats, except for a short distance from its mouth up to Clewer Boatyard. Right before the stream rejoins the River Thames, you'll find a small piece of land called White Lilies Island.