River Yeo (South Somerset) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Yeo |
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River Yeo in Ilchester
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| Other name(s) | River Ivel |
| Country | England |
| Counties | Dorset, Somerset |
| Towns | Sherborne, Bradford Abbas, Yeovil, Mudford, Yeovilton, Ilchester |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Henstridge Bowden, South Somerset 50°58′55″N 2°26′26″W / 50.98194°N 2.44056°W |
| River mouth | River Parrett Langport, South Somerset, Somerset, England 51°01′51″N 2°49′29″W / 51.03083°N 2.82472°W |
| Length | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The River Yeo is a river in England. It is also known as the River Ivel. This river flows through parts of Dorset and Somerset. It eventually joins a larger river called the River Parrett.
What's in a Name?
The name of the River Yeo comes from old words. Its original name, gifl, comes from the Celtic languages. This word means 'forked river', which describes how the river might split or branch.
The name Yeo was also influenced by an Old English word. This word was ēa, which simply means 'river'. So, the name tells us a bit about its history and shape.
Where Does the River Flow?
The River Yeo starts in the southern part of Somerset. It begins in an area known as the North Dorset Downs. From there, it flows through several towns and villages.
- It passes through Sherborne in north Dorset.
- It also flows through Sherborne Lake.
- In Somerset, it goes through towns like Yeovil, Yeovilton, and Ilchester.
- The town of Ilchester actually gets its name from the river!
For a few miles, the river acts as a natural border. It marks the boundary between the counties of Somerset and Dorset. Finally, the River Yeo joins the River Parrett near a town called Langport.
River Travel
The River Yeo is calm enough for small boats in some parts. You can travel on it for about 8 miles (13 kilometers). This stretch goes from where it meets the River Parrett all the way to Ilchester. It's a nice route for light boats.
Other Streams Joining In
Many smaller streams and brooks flow into the River Yeo. These are called its tributaries. They add more water to the river as it flows along.
Some of the streams that join the River Yeo include:
- The River Gascoigne, which starts near Milborne Wick.
- The River Wriggle.
- Trent Brook.
- Hornsey Brook.
- The River Cam.
- Bearley Brook.
