Rainworth Water
The upper reaches of the Rainworth Water River flowing through Fountaindale, Nottinghamshire. It’s red sandy bed is caused by a combination of iron in the water and the loose sandy soil of Sherwood Forest. The river was once much greater, but mine workings and drinking water extraction lowered the water table and it has all but dried up above this point.
The River Name is thought to mean "Water of Reghnere's Ford". Reghnere was the son of the King of East Anglia, and was killed fighting the forces of Æthelfrith of Northumbria at the Battle of the River Idle (617), somewhere in North Nottinghamshire or South Yorkshire. It is possible that Rainworth Water was originally considered the headwater of the River Idle (into which it eventually flows) and that after the battle took place (possibly somewhere near Rainworth Village), this upper section was renamed after the fallen Anglian Warrior. Further evidence of this is a tributary of the river that bore the name "Olde Idle".
It is on this section of River that Friar Tuck is supposed to have lived, and battled with Robin Hood before joining his band.
The Rainworth Water has entered modern legend as it forms the viral video hotspot of Rufford Ford, which claims many a motorist's dignity and has the dubious honour of being the UK's No.1 breakdown hotspot.
Rainworth Water
The upper reaches of the Rainworth Water River flowing through Fountaindale, Nottinghamshire. It’s red sandy bed is caused by a combination of iron in the water and the loose sandy soil of Sherwood Forest. The river was once much greater, but mine workings and drinking water extraction lowered the water table and it has all but dried up above this point.
The River Name is thought to mean "Water of Reghnere's Ford". Reghnere was the son of the King of East Anglia, and was killed fighting the forces of Æthelfrith of Northumbria at the Battle of the River Idle (617), somewhere in North Nottinghamshire or South Yorkshire. It is possible that Rainworth Water was originally considered the headwater of the River Idle (into which it eventually flows) and that after the battle took place (possibly somewhere near Rainworth Village), this upper section was renamed after the fallen Anglian Warrior. Further evidence of this is a tributary of the river that bore the name "Olde Idle".
It is on this section of River that Friar Tuck is supposed to have lived, and battled with Robin Hood before joining his band.
The Rainworth Water has entered modern legend as it forms the viral video hotspot of Rufford Ford, which claims many a motorist's dignity and has the dubious honour of being the UK's No.1 breakdown hotspot.