River Rom facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rom
River Beam at Dagenham
Map of the River Rom also showing its tributary
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 river in England. It is also known as the River Beam after it joins another stream called the Ravensbourne. This river flows through the eastern parts of London. It goes through suburbs around the town of Romford. The River Rom also forms a border between two London areas: Barking and Dagenham and Havering. For a short part of its journey through Romford, the river flows underground in a special tunnel.

Journey of the River Rom

The River Rom starts in Essex, a county next to London. It is actually a continuation of a smaller stream called Bourne Brook. This stream begins about 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Spring Farm. It flows from near Stapleford Abbots Golf Course.

The river flows mostly straight south. It passes under a walking path called the London Loop. As it flows, it drops about 24 meters (79 feet) in height. Then, it enters the center of Romford, which has a ring road around it. Here, the river goes into a culvert. A culvert is like a man-made tunnel that carries the river underground.

South of Romford town center, the river comes back to the surface. It flows with green banks next to a shopping area called Rom Valley Way. It then goes under a place known as Roneo Corner. The river then separates two neighborhoods. It enters Eastbrookend Country Park. Here, another stream called The Ravensbourne joins it. The Ravensbourne flows through areas like Emerson Park and Harrow Lodge Park before meeting the Rom.

After the Ravensbourne joins, the river changes its name to the Beam. It then creates the boundary between the London Borough of Havering and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Finally, the River Beam reaches the River Thames in an industrial area in Dagenham. This area used to have the large Ford Motor Company factory. The Beam Valley is a large area of land, about 182 acres (0.74 square kilometers), that runs along the entire length of the river. This valley has old historical features like tank traps and parts of the old Romford Canal.

Where Did the Name Come From?

The River Rom flows underground north of Roneo Corner, beneath Romford.

The name 'Rom' for the river comes from the town of Romford. The town itself was named first. 'Romford' was first written down in 1177 as Romfort. This name means "the wide or spacious ford." A ford is a shallow place in a river where people can cross.

The river's name was first recorded in the 1200s as le Markediche. This means 'boundary ditch'. It referred to an old border between the areas of Dagenham and Hornchurch. Later, these areas became official boroughs.

A more recent name for part of the river is the Beam. This name came from an early bridge over the river. This bridge was simply a beam of wood.

Wildlife and Nature Along the River

The River Rom comes out from underground south of Roneo Corner.

The River Rom in the northern part of Romford.

The northern part of the River Rom's valley is very important for nature. It has been named a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. This means it's a special place where plants and animals are protected.

The river itself has different types of plants. These include unbranched bur-reeds and fool's watercress. Many animals also live here. You might spot water voles, which are small rodents that live near water. There are also colorful kingfishers and reed buntings, which are small birds.

In the winter, the farmland around the river is home to birds like lapwings and Eurasian golden plovers. The Site of Importance for Nature Conservation also includes Foreberry Wood. This is a forest that the river flows through. It has trees like pedunculate oak and hornbeam that are managed in a special way called coppicing.

Another important nature site is further upstream. This is where the river flows through King George Playing Fields in Romford.

Beam Valley: A Home for Wildlife

Further downstream, the Beam Valley is a mix of different habitats. It has woodlands, grassy areas, ponds, and marshy spots. This variety makes it a great home for many kinds of wildlife.

The London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering are working together. They plan to improve the area for nature. They also want to create new ways for people to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature here. The River Beam is especially important because it is home to the rare water vole. The grasslands in the valley also have some rare and endangered plants.

River Branches

The Ravensbourne Stream

The Ravensbourne is a smaller stream that flows into the River Rom. It starts in Ardleigh Green, which is part of the Hornchurch area. It flows through two green neighborhoods of Romford and Hornchurch: Emerson Park and Harrow Lodge Park. It then joins the River Beam at Eastbrookend Country Park.