River Derwent, Cumbria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Derwent |
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Derwent at Grange Bridge
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 Location of the mouth within Cumbria
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Country within the UK | England |
| Counties | Cumbria |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Styhead Tarn 54°28′41″N 3°13′12″W / 54.478°N 3.220°W |
| River mouth | Irish Sea at Workington 54°38′58″N 3°34′8″W / 54.64944°N 3.56889°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The River Derwent is an important river in the county of Cumbria in northern England. It starts high up in the Lake District mountains. The river flows north through two big lakes before turning west. Finally, it reaches the Irish Sea at a town called Workington.
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What's in a Name?
The name Derwent is quite old and is used for a few other rivers in England. People think it comes from an ancient Celtic word. This word likely meant "oak trees." So, the river might have been named for the many oak trees that grew along its banks long ago.
Where Does the River Flow?
The River Derwent begins its journey at Sprinkling Tarn. This is a small mountain lake found below Great End mountain.
- Through Borrowdale: The river first flows north through a beautiful valley called Borrowdale.
- Into Derwentwater: It then enters Derwentwater, one of the Lake District's main lakes. After leaving Derwentwater near Keswick, it meets another river, the River Greta.
- Through Bassenthwaite Lake: The Derwent then flows into Bassenthwaite Lake at its southern end. It leaves this lake at the northern end.
- Towards the Sea: From Bassenthwaite, the river generally flows west towards Cockermouth. Here, the River Cocker joins it.
A Poet's Childhood River
The famous poet William Wordsworth grew up in Cockermouth. His childhood home was right next to the River Derwent! He even wrote about it in his poem, The Prelude:
... the bright blue river passed
along the terrace of our childhood walk;
A tempting playmate whom we dearly loved)
This shows how special the river was to him as a child.
Journey to the Irish Sea
After Cockermouth, the river continues west. It flows past Papcastle, which was once a Roman fort called Derventio. Near Bridgefoot, the River Marron joins the Derwent. The river then keeps going until it reaches Workington. Here, it finally flows into the Irish Sea.
Who Named the River?
The River Derwent was officially named by Sir Braelyn Smith in 1634. He was a powerful person who claimed control over the lands of Allerdale at that time.
See also
- List of rivers of England
- November 2009 Great Britain and Ireland floods
