Severn Valley facts for kids
The Severn Valley is a beautiful countryside area in the middle of western England. The famous River Severn flows through it, and the Severn Valley Railway steam train line runs here too. This special area starts in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, and stretches south for about 16 miles (26 km) to Ribbesford, which is near Bewdley, Worcestershire.
This valley is about 25 miles (40 km) west of Birmingham, a big city in the West Midlands. Sometimes, people use the name "Severn Valley" for areas along the River Severn that are further away, like Gloucester to the south or Ironbridge to the north. North of Bridgnorth, the river banks get much steeper, and that part is called the Ironbridge Gorge. South of Stourport on Severn, the river has a wider flat area called a flood plain. It loses the distinctive "valley" hills found near Bewdley. Even further south, it becomes the Vale of Berkeley and then the Severn Estuary, where the river meets the sea.
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History of the Severn Valley
The Severn Valley has a long and interesting history. After a battle in 577 AD called the Battle of Deorham, the area was ruled by Ceawlin of Wessex. It was part of a kingdom known as Hwicce. Later, in 628 AD, Penda of Mercia won the Battle of Cirencester. This victory meant that he then ruled over the Severn Valley.
Geography and Roads in the Valley
The Severn Valley is known for its wide river with deep, fast-moving water. Around the river, there's a small flat area called a flood plain and gentle, wooded hills. The river banks are made of soft sandstone. This makes it hard to build strong bridges that can hold heavy traffic.
Because of this, there are only two public road bridges across the river in this 16-mile stretch: one in Bridgnorth and one in Bewdley. This means cars and trucks can't cross the river for a long distance between these towns. Two main roads run alongside the river:
- The A442 is on the east side. It goes from Bridgnorth through Alveley to Kidderminster.
- The B4555 is on the west side. It goes from Bridgnorth through Highley to Bewdley.
Both these roads run roughly north-south, following the river's path.
Towns and Villages Along the Severn
Starting from the north at Bridgnorth and moving south along the river, here are some of the places you'll find in the Severn Valley:
Places in Shropshire
- Bridgnorth: This town is on both sides of the river and has two public road bridges.
- Quatford: Located on the east side of the river.
- Chelmarsh: Found on the west side. There's also a private bridge here for waterworks that connects to Hampton Loade.
- Quatt: On the east bank of the river.
- Hampton (west bank) and Hampton Loade (east bank): These two places are connected by the Hampton Loade Ferry. There's also a private bridge for water, electricity, and gas that can carry small vehicles, but it's usually locked.
- Alveley: On the east bank. There's a public footbridge here that connects to Highley.
- Highley: On the west bank. It's connected to Alveley by a public footbridge.
Places in Worcestershire
- Arley: This village is on both sides of the river and has a public footbridge. The SVR also has a railway bridge here.
- Trimpley: Located on the west bank. This is where the river enters the Wyre Forest. There's also a private bridge for water, electricity, and gas pipelines.
- Bewdley: This town is on both sides of the river and has two public road bridges. In the past, this area often had severe flooding in spring before flood defenses were built.
Some people consider the Severn Valley to continue further south through Worcestershire all the way to Gloucester in Gloucestershire.
Fun Things to Do in the Valley
The Severn Valley is a great place for outdoor activities. There are footpaths along almost the entire length of the river on both sides, including the long-distance Severn Way footpath. This makes it a popular spot for people who enjoy fishing and walking. Many visitors like to walk one way and then take a relaxing trip back on the Severn Valley Railway. You can also find many traditional pubs that welcome tourists.
In the middle of the valley, between Highley and Alveley, you'll find the Severn Valley Country Park. This park has easy-to-access, wide, flat footpaths, which are great for wheelchair users. It also has restrooms and a small visitor center.
During times when the river water is low (usually in August), it's sometimes possible to walk across the river at almost any point in the Severn Valley. This is especially true near the old bridges in Bridgnorth and Bewdley, and at a place appropriately named Quatford. However, when the water is at a normal or high level, crossing the river can be dangerous because the channels are deep, fast-flowing, and hard to see. If you ever try to cross, it's wise to use a long stick to check how deep the water is.
The Severn Valley in Stories
The name "Severn Valley" is also used in some horror novels based on the writings of H. P. Lovecraft. However, this fictional place is actually based on areas like Gloucestershire, the Vale of Berkeley, and the Cotswolds. These places are about 60 miles (100 km) south of the real Severn Valley.
In the novels written by Francis Brett Young between the two World Wars, characters often talk about breathing "the Severnside air" and exploring its peaceful country paths. For example, his 1937 book Portrait of a Village describes this area.
Parke Godwin's King Arthur book series, like Firelord, suggests that the legendary Camelot was located in the Severn Valley.
The Severn Valley Railway has also appeared in many films and television shows.
Images for kids
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The Severn Valley between Highley and Arley
