17 River Wear Facts: A Source Of Fresh Water, For You!

The River Wear is one of the significant rivers found in the United Kingdom, and more specifically England.

Its source is located on a moor called Burnhope Seat which is situated on the slope of the Pennine mountain range in the North East of England. The River Wear starts its flowing point through County Durham and ends its voyage to the North Sea in Sunderland City.

It is a well-known fact in the region that the River Wear is one of the longest flowing water bodies. However, the River Wear gained its significance in contributing to the progress of the Industrial Revolution in northern England.

The river was a source and witnessed the development of limestone quarrying, lead mining, and coal mining at the River Wear Valley during the most crucial time of history.

As the river approaches the North Sea, it flows past the high ground of St. Peter's Campus, at the University of Sunderland. The shadow of the Durham Cathedral and the shadow cast by a tree in the river sometimes represents a hammerhead crane.

As the River Wear rises past Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral below Framwellgate Bridge, it sports a magnificent shadow of the nearby church architecture.

So, here we will be presenting you well-researched and interesting facts about one of the longest rivers of the United Kingdom. Without any further delay let's check out these River Wear facts. Afterward, also check River Lea facts and River Jordan facts.

Typical Facts About The River Wear

Apart from being one of the most important rivers in England, the River Wear also seemingly possesses unblemished, beautiful landscapes and natural scenery your eyes can feast on. The river is also home to fish like game anglers, salmon, brown trout, and grayling.

Did you know the Romans called the River Wear the Vedra? Yes, you heard it right. This river also played a crucial part in the history of the Roman economy and military strategies!

The River Wear performed as a tributary for the River Tyne before the ice age. The factor which forced the river to divert is a glacier hailing from Chester-le-street!

The length of the river is around 60 mi (96 km).

The name River Wear, which is derived from the Celtic language, translates to being a river of blood in the English language.

The fact the River Wear has a similar etymology to the River Wyre and Quair Water is also considered a possibility.

The River Wear Valley was one of the first places to witness the development of the railways.

The River Wear is also a major source of drinking water for inhabitants who live in the region.

Due to the river's commercial contribution, mines and soil heaps turn out to be one of the sources of pollution hindering the purity of the river.

Distinctive Facts About River Wear

The River Wear is a vital part of the demography and geography of the Sunderland region and played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. This river ensured the transformation of Great Britain from being a solely agrarian culture to an industrial powerhouse.

The River Wear flows right past the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Castle!

The River Wear has been significantly influenced by the various government-funded drainage schemes.

Did you know before the formation of the Tyne, the River Wear had been one of the longest rivers in the country of the United Kingdom.

The river is also home to numerous tourist places, sights, and towns including Witton-Le-Wear and Bishop Auckland.

The River Wear was put into the spotlight on a television program called 'Seven Natural Wonders' as one of the wonders of North East England.

The River Wear’s route through County Durham contains 14 boathouses and 20 boat clubs!

However, after being in the service of the Industrial Revolution, the River Wear became one of the most polluted rivers in England.

Nevertheless, the campaign to clean the river was launched in the last decade which led to the river being on the list of countries' top ten success stories in respect to environmental progress!

Special Facts About The River Wear

Animals that dwell in the depths of the River Wear include lamprey, arctic charr, vendace, smelt, spined loach, and allis shad. The River Wear is also recognized as being the best sea trout river in the whole of England. With a record of double fish figures being caught yearly.

The River Wear flows through the North East of England, primarily through County Durham and Sunderland.

The head and mouth of the river open into the North Sea.

The presence of a glacier during the ice age diverted the River Wear eastwards directing it towards Sunderland.

The Weardale Railway to this day runs sporadic services between the stations of Stanhope and Wolsingham.

When the River Wear touches Durham city, it meanders through a deep wooded ravine from which numerous springs rise, which in turn is utilized purely for drinking water.

Cool Facts About The River Wear

Apart from being the source for railways and the Industrial Revolution, shipbuilding was also a large part of life on the banks of the River Wear. The river was kept busy when it was hosting over 400 shipyards on its bank. However, the previous yard was shut in the year 1988.

The coal mine was opened on the river banks in 1835 and was last operated in 1993.

However, the inhabitants say that the unique history of the River Wear can still be witnessed along upper Weardale.

The river's rest point is in Sunderland between Roker pier and south pier and into the North Sea!

However, the headwaters of the River Wear are located in the North Pennines.

This river is also proudly regarded as the foundation of the city of Sunderland.

According to recent estimates, there are about 81 bridges residing on the River Wear.

The oldest bridge built on the river was the Wearmouth Bridge in 1796.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for River Wear facts then why not take a look at River Dee facts, or River Clyde facts?