What was the first 'industrial' use of the Bow Back Rivers? And why was their location ideal? Listen to the audio file below to find out.
Stop 3 - City Mill River
Stop 3 - History Take me here now
What was the first 'industrial' use of the Bow Back Rivers? And why was their location ideal? Listen to the audio file below to find out.
We’ve arrived at City Mill River and we’re going to stay with this former tidal stream for a while.
Before the advent of the canal system this waterway was tidal and twice a day the Thames flooded the riverbanks and then drained away leaving boats aground.
This constant flooding and draining was hugely important. The tidal waters could be trapped and then released for waterpower to drive tidal mills.
South of here was one of those tidal mills called City Mill where this river gets its name.
Milling or the grinding of corn into flour was an important part of food production as far back as medieval times. It needed an enormous amount of energy in fact in this area alone there were nine tidal mills all powered by the tidal rivers around us.
This water supply to drive the mills caused argument and dispute among mill owners fighting over this limited resource.
To find the next waypoint, continue along the side of City Mill River and go halfway across the blue-green iron footbridge.
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