Frays River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frays River |
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Frays River in Frays Farm Meadows
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| Country | England |
| County | Buckinghamshire, London Borough of Hillingdon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | River Colne, Denham Weir, Buckinghamshire 35 m (115 ft) 51°33′58″N 0°29′00″W / 51.5661°N 0.4832°W |
| River mouth | River Colne, West Drayton 24 m (79 ft) 51°29′58″N 0°29′05″W / 51.4995°N 0.4848°W |
| Length | 5.5 mi (8.9 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Frays River is a short river in England. It is a branch of the River Colne. The Frays River splits off near Uxbridge Moor and then flows back into the River Colne at West Drayton.
This river is thought to be mostly man-made. It was likely created to power watermills in the area of Hillingdon. A watermill uses the flow of a river to turn a wheel, which then powers machinery. The river is probably named after John Fray, who owned Cowley Hall in the 1400s.
The Frays River has also been known by other names. These include the Uxbridge and Cowley Mill Stream, the Cowley Stream, or the Colham Mill Stream. Records from the Domesday Book show that two of the three mills in Hillingdon Parish were on the southern part of this river. The Domesday Book was a huge survey of England completed in 1086.
Contents
River's Journey
The Frays River begins its journey from the River Colne. This split happens east of Denham, Buckinghamshire at a place called Denham Weir.
As it flows, the Frays River passes through several areas. These include Frays Farm Meadows, Uxbridge, Cowley, Yiewsley, and West Drayton.
Crossing Canals
When the river reaches Cowley, it goes under the Grand Union Canal. The canal is carried over the river by an aqueduct at Cowley Lock. An aqueduct is like a bridge that carries water.
The Frays River continues south, flowing past Little Britain Lake. Later, it crosses under another part of the Grand Union Canal called the Slough Arm. This canal section also uses an aqueduct to pass over the river.
Joining Other Rivers
In Yiewsley, another river joins the Frays River. This is the River Pinn, which flows into the Frays from its east bank. Finally, the Frays River flows back into the River Colne at a spot called Drayton Point in West Drayton.
Nature and Wildlife
The Frays River flows through important natural areas. Two of these are called Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). These special places are managed by the London Wildlife Trust. They are Frays Farm Meadows and Denham Lock Wood.
Frays Island is another important natural area. It sits between the Frays River and the River Colne in West Drayton. This island is known as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. It is also looked after by the London Wildlife Trust. These sites protect different plants and animals.
Famous Connections
The famous writer George Orwell once taught at Frays College in Uxbridge. This college was located right on the banks of the Frays River.
