An amazing system of subterranean streams beneath our feet
The discover of a small 'river' in a Chiswick garden prompted a little digging into the background of our local subterranean streams.
These underground rivers which now flow through purpose built culverts or channels are actually tributaries of the River Thames that were built over during the growth of London.
Many towns started their existence as small villages along these rivers, and their place names reflect their origin.
Starting from a spring at Springfield Gardens in Acton, Stamford Brook is the confluence of three smaller streams, in West London, flowing into Hammersmith Creek and then into the River Thames.
By 1900, the brook had been covered over and is now a sewer. The name 'Stamford Brook' is believed to have evolved from of 'stoney ford' or 'sandy ford' meaning the brook was crossed by King Street.
In recent years, parts of some London rivers have been restored to their previous above-ground state, and in some cases fish have been reintroduced. In June 2008 outline plans to reinstate some underground rivers including Stamford Brook were published by the office of Mayor of London and in January 2009 a partnership between the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Greater London Authority set out a strategy for putting this into effect by creating the River Restoration Centre.
December 22, 2009