River Lew facts for kids

The River Lew is the name for two different, short rivers in Devon, England. Even though they are called the same, they are separate rivers. They flow quite close to each other in the countryside.

The River Lew: Two Rivers, One Name

Devon is home to two rivers that share the name Lew. They are both important parts of the local landscape. Let's learn about each one.

The Northern River Lew

One of the River Lews starts just south of a village called Beaworthy. It flows towards the east first. Then, it turns north and goes past the town of Hatherleigh. Finally, this northern River Lew joins the River Torridge. This meeting point is about 1 kilometer north of Hatherleigh. The village of Northlew even has this river's name in its own name!

The Southern River Lew

The other River Lew begins on the northwest side of Dartmoor. This is near a place called Sourton. This river flows west and a little bit south. It travels through the beautiful Lew Valley. It passes by Lewtrenchard and goes south of Lewdown. This southern River Lew then joins another river called the River Lyd. They meet near the village of Marystow.

In the past, people also called this southern river "Lew Water." An old book from history, called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, talks about a battle in 825. In this battle, forces from Devon, who supported King Egbert, fought against the Cornish people. This fight might have happened near Galford, right by this river. Some people think it was at a place called Camelford, which is further west.

How Did They Get Their Name?

The two River Lews are not far apart. At their closest, they are only about 10 kilometers from each other. An old survey from 1086, called the Domesday Book, mentions a place called Lew Manor in this area. It's possible that both rivers got their name from this old manor.

Experts believe the name "Lew" might come from an old British word, 'Lliw'. This word means "flow" or "stream." Other rivers in England also have names that come from this same old word.

Images for kids

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  The River Lew close to where it joins the River Torridge

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  The River Lew near to where it joins the River Lyd