Mearley Brook facts for kids
Mearley Brook is a small river in Lancashire, England. It is about 7.2 kilometers (4.5 miles) long. This little river helps drain an area of about 22.77 square kilometers (8.79 square miles). It is an important part of the local water system. The brook flows through pretty countryside and the town of Clitheroe.
The Journey of Mearley Brook
Mearley Brook starts its journey high up on Pendle Hill. It flows downhill towards the northwest. The brook goes through a place called Mearley Clough. It passes by Little Mearley Hall. Then, it flows under the A59 Clitheroe Bypass.
Near Upbrooks Farm, another stream called Worston Brook joins it. At this point, Mearley Brook turns to flow towards the southeast. Soon after, a small brook from Bracken Hey adds its water. Another stream, hidden in a culvert, joins at Waterloo Bridge. This is where Mearley Brook enters the center of Clitheroe.
Through Clitheroe and Beyond
At Shaw Bridge, Shaw Brook joins Mearley Brook. The river then continues flowing to the east of the hill. This hill has Clitheroe Castle on top of it. In the southern part of Clitheroe, the river flows into a mill lodge. This lodge was once used by the old Primrose Mill.
Finally, Mearley Brook flows into Pendleton Brook. This happens near Lower Standen Hey. Pendleton Brook then joins the larger River Ribble very close by.
What's in a Name?
The name "Mearley" comes from Old English words. It is thought to mean "the meadow or clearing at the boundary." This is also the name of the civil parish where the river begins.
The word "Brook" is a common name for a small stream. It also comes from an Old English word. You will find many streams called "brook" in southern and central England.
