River Gade facts for kids
The River Gade is a river that flows mostly through Hertfordshire, England. It starts from a natural spring in the chalk hills of the Chiltern Hills at Dagnall, Buckinghamshire. From there, it travels through towns like Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley. It also flows along the western edge of Watford, passing through Cassiobury Park. After going past Croxley Green, the Gade reaches Rickmansworth, where it joins another river called the River Colne. Boats cannot travel on the River Gade because it is not deep or wide enough.
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Where the Gade Flows
The River Gade begins its journey in the Chiltern Hills, which are famous for their soft, white chalk rock. The river starts as a spring, which is a place where underground water naturally comes to the surface.
Towns and Parks Along the River
As the Gade flows, it passes through several interesting places:
- Hemel Hempstead: A large town where the river runs through pretty landscaped areas like the "Watergardens."
- Kings Langley: Another town the river flows past.
- Watford: The river runs along the west side of this town, going through the lovely Cassiobury Park.
- Croxley Green: A village before the river reaches its end.
- Rickmansworth: This is where the River Gade meets the River Colne.
River Friends and Features
The main river that flows into the Gade is called the River Bulbourne. It joins the Gade at a place called Two Waters, which is just south of Hemel Hempstead. This means the Bulbourne is a "tributary" or a smaller river that feeds into a larger one.
Past Uses of the River
In the past, the River Gade was very important for local industries.
- Water Mills: The river's flow was used to power water mills at places like Water End, Cassiobury Park, and Two Waters. These mills used the river's energy to grind grain or do other work.
- Paper Mills: The Gade also powered the John Dickinson paper mills at Apsley and Croxley. These mills made paper using the river's water and power.
Watercress Farming
The river also helped grow watercress, a leafy green plant used in food. Watercress farms were found at Cassiobury Park, Water End, and Two Waters. However, in 1947, some of the river's water was taken to supply the growing new town of Hemel Hempstead. This meant less water for the watercress farms.
Grand Union Canal
Below Hemel Hempstead, the River Gade runs right next to, and sometimes even becomes part of, the Grand Union Canal. Canals are man-made waterways used for boats and transport.
Ancient History
Did you know that the remains of an old Roman Villa were discovered at Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead? This shows that people have lived and used the area around the River Gade for a very long time!
Three Rivers District
The River Gade is one of the rivers that gives its name to the Three Rivers district. This area is named after the River Gade, the River Colne, and the River Chess.
Wildlife and River Flow
The River Gade is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. You can often see ducks swimming in its waters, and there are many types of insects living in and around the river.
Dry Sections and Floods
From where the river starts at Dagnall to about three miles downstream at Great Gaddesden, the river bed is often dry. This means there isn't always water flowing there. But after a lot of rain, this part of the river can fill up and sometimes even flood, meaning the water overflows its banks.
