Sutton Pools facts for kids
Sutton Pools are a really pretty and quiet part of the River Thames in a place called Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, England. Imagine a peaceful stretch of river with several small dams called weirs, little islands, footbridges, and barriers. These all work together to create the lovely Sutton Pools.
The river here has two different levels. The higher part of the river is separated from the lower pools by a special path or road called a causeway. This causeway is very old, dating all the way back to Saxon times!
A Bit of History
For a long time, this part of the River Thames was the main way boats traveled. But in the early 1800s, a new waterway called the Culham Cut was built. This new cut made it easier for boats to pass, and it also created a new island just north of Sutton Pools. After the Culham Cut was finished, boats stopped using the Sutton Pools area as much for their main journey.
Islands and Footpaths
Besides the large island created by the Culham Cut, there are three smaller islands within Sutton Pools. These little islands are connected by wooden footbridges that cross over the weirs. These bridges are part of a walking path that connects Sutton Courtenay to another nearby village called Culham. It's a great spot for a walk!
The Old Paper Mill
Long ago, the upper part of the river channel at Sutton Pools flowed right past a paper mill. This mill was a busy place where paper was made. However, it closed down in 1897 and has since been taken apart. Today, the river route here is blocked by a fence because it passes through the gardens of a house called Mill House. If you're walking, a wooden footbridge and a special gate called a "kissing gate" will lead you into the main village.
