Sheepwash Channel facts for kids
The Sheepwash Channel is a waterway in west Oxford, England. It connects the River Thames on its west side to the Castle Mill Stream and the Oxford Canal on its east side. This channel is important because it helps boats travel between the Oxford Canal and the River Thames.
To the north of the channel, you'll find Cripley Meadow, which has many allotment gardens. There is also an area called Fiddler's Island. To the south, you can see Osney Island and the Botley Road.
Contents
Bridges Over the Channel
The Sheepwash Channel has several bridges crossing it. These bridges are very important for trains, cars, and people to get around Oxford.
Railway Bridges
Two main railway lines, the Cherwell Valley Line and the Cotswold Line, cross the channel. They use the Sheepwash Channel Railway Bridge, which is just north of the Oxford railway station. This bridge allows trains to travel over the water.
The Old Swing Bridge
Close to the railway bridge, there is the Rewley Road Swing Bridge. This is a special type of bridge called a swing bridge. A swing bridge can pivot or "swing" open to let boats pass through the channel. This bridge was once part of the Buckinghamshire Railway line, which was run by the London and North Western Railway. It used to serve the old Oxford Rewley Road railway station, which is now where the Saïd Business School stands. There is also another bridge called Rewley Road Bridge that crosses the channel.
Connecting Waterways
The Sheepwash Channel plays a key role in connecting different waterways in Oxford.
Isis Lock
At the eastern end of the Sheepwash Channel, you'll find the Isis Lock. A lock is like a water elevator that helps boats move between different water levels. The Isis Lock connects the Oxford Canal with the Sheepwash Channel through a short part of the Castle Mill Stream. This means boats can travel from the Oxford Canal, through the Isis Lock and the Sheepwash Channel, and then into the River Thames.
Thames Path Footbridge
At the western end of the Sheepwash Channel, there is a footbridge. This bridge is part of the Thames Path, which is a long walking trail that follows the River Thames. It allows people to walk across the channel and enjoy the views.
Gallery
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The Sheepwash Channel with the old swing bridge and the newer railway bridge.
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The old swing bridge and the newer railway bridge over the Sheepwash Channel.
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The swing bridge in the open position on the north bank of the Sheepwash Channel.
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View of the swing bridge over Sheepwash Channel in 1977 when it was still in operation.
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The River Thames just south of the western entrance to the Sheepwash Channel (under the arched footbridge).
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The Isis Lock that connects the Oxford Canal with Sheepwash Channel via a short stretch of the Castle Mill Stream.
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Looking north along the railway line from Oxford railway station over Sheepwash Channel Railway Bridge.
