Spital Brook facts for kids

Spital Brook is a small stream, also called a brook, that flows into the River Lea in Hertfordshire, England. It starts in a place called Hoddesdonpark Wood and winds its way through the countryside. This brook is an important part of the local natural environment.

The Journey of Spital Brook

Spital Brook is a minor tributary, which means it is a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. In this case, it joins the River Lea. The brook helps to carry water from the land into the main river system.

Where Does Spital Brook Begin?

Spital Brook begins its journey in a lovely wooded area called Hoddesdonpark Wood in Hertfordshire, England. This is where the water first bubbles up and starts to flow. From its source, the brook travels eastwards.

Following the Brook's Path

As Spital Brook flows, it passes through several interesting places. It goes through Barclay Park, which used to be a common area called Hoddesdon Common. Another small stream nearby, which doesn't have a name, has been changed to create beautiful ponds in the old parkland of Broxbournebury.

The brook also crosses an ancient Roman road known as Ermine Street. After that, it flows under the busy A10 and a road called Cock Lane. There's still an old crossing place, or ford, for the brook in Cock Lane. The original path of the road used to run right next to the brook, going north and south.

A Natural Boundary

Spital Brook flows through an area that is also named Spital Brook. It acts as a traditional boundary, marking the line between the two local areas of Hoddesdon and Broxbourne. This means it has been an important landmark for a very long time.

Near Broxbourne Station, the stream runs alongside the Lea Valley railway lines. Finally, Spital Brook meets the River Lea close to Broxbourne Riverside, which used to be a swimming area called Broxbourne Lido.

How Steep is Spital Brook?

Spital Brook has a fairly steep slope for a stream in Hertfordshire. In its upper section, it drops about 50 metres in height over just 1 kilometre. This steepness means the water can flow quite quickly.

Because the brook has a small catchment area (the area of land where rainwater collects and flows into the stream), it often only has water in its lower parts. This is especially true unless it has been raining very heavily.