Hockley Brook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hockley Brook |
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The brook (right) near its end, with the Birmingham & Fazeley canal alongside.
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| Country | England |
| Region | Birmingham |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | River Tame |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Trent - Humber - North Sea |
| Tributaries |
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The Hockley Brook is a small stream in northern Birmingham, England. It starts just outside the city in Smethwick. The brook then flows through Black Patch Park and the areas of Soho, Hockley, and Aston.
Finally, it joins the River Tame near the Gravelly Hill Interchange. From there, its water travels through the Trent to the Humber Estuary and then into the North Sea. In its eastern part, the brook is also known as Aston Brook, which is where Aston Brook Street gets its name.
A Historic Waterway
The Hockley Brook was once a very important natural feature. It used to mark the boundary between different areas. For example, it was the border between Birmingham (which was then part of Warwickshire) and Smethwick (which was in Staffordshire). It also separated the villages of Handsworth and Smethwick.
The brook was also the boundary between Birmingham and Aston before Aston became part of Birmingham.
Powering Mills
In the past, the Hockley Brook was used to power several mills. These mills used the force of the water to grind grain or do other work. The brook also supplied water to Matthew Boulton's famous Soho Manufactory. This was a large factory where many things were made, including coins and metal goods.
Hidden Underground
After World War II, much of the Hockley Brook was culverted. This means it was buried inside large pipes or tunnels underground. This was done to allow for more building and development above the brook. So, even though you might not see it, the Hockley Brook still flows beneath the city in many places.
