River Rea

The River Rea is a small river that flows through Birmingham in the West Midlands. It rises in Waseley Hills Country Park, where the source is clearly marked near the car park. The river drops sharply at first but then flows gently through the landscape. Several tributaries join the Rea, including Callow Brook and Bourne Brook. After passing through Rubery and Northfield, the river enters Birmingham and continues underground in places. The Rea played a key role in Birmingham’s early history. The Beorma tribe settled on its banks in the 7th century, establishing the town. The river’s name comes from an old word meaning ‘to flow’, found in many Indo-European languages. Near Digbeth, a pair of decorative arches on Gooch Street Bridge mark the site of Birmingham’s first settlement. Many street names in the area, such as Rea Street and Duddeston Mill Road, still reflect the river’s influence. Visitors can follow parts of the river’s route through the city. In Kings Norton, Wychall Reservoir was built in the early 19th century to store water for the Worcester Canal. The river passes through Cannon Hill Park and Calthorpe Park, where sections remain above ground. Plans have restored a riverside walk near the Custard Factory in Digbeth, and proposals exist to uncover more of the river in Warwick Bar. The Rea finally meets the River Tame near Gravelly Hill Interchange, continuing its journey to the North Sea.