River Chelt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Chelt |
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River Chelt near Wainlode
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 Location within Gloucestershire
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| Country | England |
| Counties | Gloucestershire |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | River Severn 51°56′01″N 2°13′20″W / 51.9337°N 2.2221°W |
| Length | 22 km (14 mi) |
The River Chelt is a small river in England. It is a tributary, which means it flows into a larger river. The Chelt joins the Severn, which is England's longest river.
The River Chelt starts in the western part of the Cotswolds hills. It then flows through the town of Cheltenham. Finally, it meets the River Severn at a place called Wainlodes Hill.
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What is the River Chelt?
The River Chelt is about 22 kilometers (14 miles) long. It plays an important role in the area it flows through. The river's journey takes it from the countryside into a busy town.
Where does the River Chelt flow?
The Chelt begins its journey in the beautiful Cotswolds. These are famous hills in England. From there, it makes its way towards the town of Cheltenham. Cheltenham is a well-known spa town. After leaving the town, the river continues west. It eventually reaches the mighty River Severn.
How has the River Chelt been used?
For a long time, rivers like the Chelt were very important for people. They provided water and power. The River Chelt was no different.
Mills along the river
Many years ago, there were several mills built along the River Chelt. Mills use the power of flowing water to turn large wheels. These wheels then helped to grind grain into flour. They also helped with other tasks like making cloth.
The highest mill on the Chelt was in a place called Charlton Kings. The lowest mill was in Norton. This is where the river now goes under the A38 road. These mills were vital for the local communities.
Flooding and the River Chelt
Sometimes, rivers can cause problems, especially when there is too much rain. The River Chelt has caused significant flooding in the past.
When did the Chelt flood?
The River Chelt has overflowed its banks more than once. Two major floods happened in 1979 and 2007. These events caused a lot of damage. They showed how powerful a small river can be.
When a river floods, it means the water level rises very high. The water then spills out of the river channel. This can cover nearby land, homes, and roads. Flooding can be very disruptive and dangerous.
