River Rom facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rom
River Beam at Dagenham
Other name(s)	Beam
Country	England
Counties	Greater London
London boroughs	Havering, Barking and Dagenham
Towns	Romford
Physical characteristics
Main source	Romford
River mouth	River Thames, Dagenham 51°30′45″N 0°9′33″E / 51.51250°N 0.15917°E / 51.51250; 0.15917
Basin features
Tributaries	Left: The Ravensbourne

The River Rom is a fascinating waterway in England. It flows through the eastern parts of London, near the town of Romford. This river eventually joins the mighty River Thames at Dagenham. Sometimes, after another stream joins it, people call it the River Beam.

This river is quite important! It even helps mark the border between two London areas: Barking and Dagenham and Havering. In the busy center of Romford, the Rom flows underground in a special tunnel called a culvert.

The River Rom's Journey

The River Rom actually begins in Essex! It's a continuation of a smaller stream called Bourne Brook. This stream starts about 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Stapleford Abbotts.

As the Rom flows south, it goes under the London Loop, which is a long walking path around London. The river drops about 24 meters (79 feet) in height before it reaches the center of Romford. Here, it disappears into an underground tunnel, a culvert, to pass beneath the busy town.

From Underground to Green Banks

After its underground journey, the river reappears with green banks. It flows past shops and homes. Then, it enters Eastbrookend Country Park. This is where another stream, The Ravensbourne, joins it. The Ravensbourne flows through areas like Emerson Park and Harrow Lodge Park before meeting the Rom.

The River Rom flows underground north of Roneo Corner in Romford.

The Beam Valley

Once the Ravensbourne joins, the river is often called the River Beam. It continues to form the border between the London Borough of Havering and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Finally, it reaches the River Thames in Dagenham, near where the Ford Motor Company once had a large factory.

The area around the River Beam is known as the Beam Valley. It covers about 182 acres (0.74 km²). This valley holds interesting historical items like old tank traps and pillboxes. It also has parts of the old Romford Canal.

What's in a Name?

Have you ever wondered how the River Rom got its name? It's a bit like a puzzle! The river actually got its name from the town of Romford. The town's name, first written down in 1177 as Romfort, means "the wide or spacious ford." A 'ford' is a shallow place in a river where people can cross.

Old Names of the River

Long ago, in the 13th century, the river had a different name: le Markediche. This meant 'boundary ditch'. It was called this because it marked an old border between two areas, Dagenham and Hornchurch.

Later, a part of the river became known as the Beam. This name came from a very simple bridge that crossed the river. It was just a strong wooden beam!

Wildlife Along the Rom

The River Rom is a special place for nature! Many parts of its valley, especially in the north, are called a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. This means these areas are protected because they are home to important plants and animals.

The River Rom emerges from its underground section south of Roneo Corner.

The River Rom flowing through the northern part of Romford.

Plants and Animals of the River

In the river itself, you can find plants like bur-reeds and fool's watercress. These plants provide food and shelter for animals. The river is also a home for amazing creatures like water voles, bright kingfishers, and singing reed buntings.

In winter, the fields nearby welcome birds like lapwings and Eurasian golden plovers. A special forest called Foreberry Wood is also part of this important nature site. It has old oak trees and hornbeam trees.

Another important nature spot is where the river flows through King George Playing Fields in Romford.

The Beam Valley's Natural Wonders

Further along the river, the Beam Valley is a mix of forests, grassy areas, ponds, and marshlands. This creates a perfect home for many different kinds of wildlife. Both the Barking and Dagenham and Havering councils are working to make this area even better for nature. They also want to create new places for people to enjoy and learn about the environment.

The River Beam is especially important because it's home to the rare water vole. The grasslands in the valley also have some very special and rare plants that need our protection.

Other Streams Joining the Rom

The Ravensbourne Stream

A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one. The Ravensbourne is one such stream that joins the River Rom (or Beam). It starts in Ardleigh Green, near Hornchurch.

This stream flows through two lovely green areas: Emerson Park and Harrow Lodge Park. Finally, it meets the River Beam in Eastbrookend Country Park.

Bridges Over the River

Many bridges cross the River Rom and River Beam. These bridges help people and vehicles travel easily across the waterway. Here are some of them:

See also

• Tributaries of the River Thames
• List of rivers in England