History of the River Severn

The historic limit of navigation on the river was Pool Quay, near Welshpool. For centuries, boats would be man-hauled along the upper reaches of the river, through Shrewsbury and - eventually - the industry that sprang up around Ironbridge, cradle of the Industrial Revolution.

Today, however, navigation by powered boats is limited to the river below Stourport - once the hamlet of Lower Mitton. It took its new name with the advent of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. The river is accessed from the canal by both broad and narrow locks.

The 19th Century saw the section below Stourport substantially upgraded for commercial navigation by locks and weirs. It is still capable of accommodating such vessels, and locks are manned by keepers for efficient operation.

Worcester became a city in 880 AD, and is rich in history and 'olde worlde' charms - not least the magnificent cathedral. The confluence of the Rivers Severn and Teme, below Diglis Double Lock, was the site of the Battle of Worcester. Near the old corn market is the house from which King Charles II led his troops against the rebels.

Another name synonymous with Worcester is Edward William Elgar, who once told his mother he wanted to be so famous that people could write to 'Edward Elgar, England'. His wish was granted.

The Worcester & Birmingham Canal joins the river at Diglis, in the south of the city. Various other navigations once connected with the river many of which, for example the Dick Brook and the Coombe Hill Canal, are now lost or abandoned. Others, such as the Droitwich Canals, are being restored.

Upton-on-Severn is now a haven for holidaymakers but was formerly a bustling riverside town. At various times throughout the year visitors descend from all parts of the world for its impressive array of musical and waterway festivals, some of which are of international standing. The White Lion hotel appears in Henry Fielding's The History of Tom Jones.

The encroaching Cotswolds are already in view by Tewkesbury, where the Severn is joined by the Warwickshire Avon before dropping through the last lock before Gloucester. This marks the start of an occasionally tidal section - especially at times of a high Severn Bore. It may be necessary to wait here and take the lock keeper's advice. The dramatic phenomenon of the tidal bore attracts thousands of spectators for the best examples.

At the Partings, near Gloucester, the river splits into two channels. To the west lies the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal, currently undergoing restoration. For now navigators should follow the channel to the east towards the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Gloucester has a cathedral the equal of Worcester's, and a historic dockland area including the National Waterways Museum. Its wide pedestrianised streets make it a pleasant place to explore.