Holy Brook Rivulet
A Rivulet is a small stream or brook - basically a small river.
The Holy Brook rivulet is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and was originally a natural offshoot of the Kennet river and named 'Granator's Broke'.
Later, in John Speeds 1610 map of Reading (the earliest map of Reading, published in John Speed's atlas of Great Britain in 1611) the river is shown as 'Hallowed Brooke'.
The stream splits from the Kennet River just east of Tyle Mill near Sulhamstead (south of Theale) and then casually meanders for six miles (9½ Km) passing Calcot, Southcote and Coley Park before heading under the streets of Reading town until it again rejoins the Kennet river near the old ruins of Reading Abbey - in fact the early Monks of Reading Abbey diverted the stream to supply water and to run their own mill.
The Holy Brook at Yew Lane
Spring 2006
For most of its length, the rivulet is secluded, surrounded by meadows and ancient hedgerows, with water voles and otters, and fish like perch and dace.
In the past, the brook has also served other industries in the town, including dyers and tanners, and used to pass through the Oracle workhouse.
Holy Brook in Winter. The Coley Flats are visible in the distance
Image © READING URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP
Further reading: The Holy Brook by Adam Sowan (Two Rivers Press - ISBN: 1-901677-34-6)
|
