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The River Sow goes through:

1 Broughton
2 Copmere
3 Eccleshall
4 Worston
5 Doxey marshes
6 Victoria Park
7 Shugborough

1. Broughton

Broughton village is a small village between Eccleshall and Loggerheads.

Broughton Hall was built by Stephen Tempest in Elizabethan times. He had eighteen children and he needed a larger house. In 1637 it was restored by Thomas Broughton, the High Sheriff of Staffordshire.

The river is very small at Broughton. It collects drainage water from the fields.

2. Copmere

The River Sow then flows to Copmere.

Just before the river reaches the pool it goes through Walk Mill. There is an old water mill here.

The area around Copmere is a nature reserve run by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The pool is used for fishing and boating.

The river runs though Copmere pool and out towards Eccleshall.

3. Eccleshall

Eccleshall is a market town about 8 miles from Stafford.

The River Sow runs to the north of the town past Eccleshall Castle. King John granted a licence for the moated site to become a castle in 1200.

The original castle was built in the 14th century but was destroyed by Cromwell’s solders.

The present house was rebuilt in 1695 and until 1870 was the home of the Bishop of Lichfield.

4. Worston

Worston is a small village near Great Bridgeford.

The River Sow gets bigger towards Worston.

There is an old mill here that is now a pub.

5. Doxey marshes

The River Sow runs thought Doxey marshes which is wet and soggy.

There are some plants and animals that only live on wet grounds and people go to see the wildlife there.

When there has been a lot of rain the marshes flood.

6. Victoria Park

Victoria Park is in Stafford. It is run by the council. The river runs through the middle of the park. There is a band stand and some children’s playgrounds. Next to the play ground is a paddling pool. On the other side of the river is the bowling green where people play bowls.

7. Shugborough

Shugborough is the ancestral home of theEarl of Lichfield. It is now owned by the National Trust and is run as a working historic estate for visitors. There is a mansion house, gardens, farm and servants’ quarters.

Special events are also held here. There is an outdoor activity centre for local schools.

The River Sow runs through the middle of the estate.

Just at the edge of Shugborough is the Essex Bridge. This was used for people and their animals to cross the river between Shugborough and Great Heywood.

The River Sow flows into the River Trent just before the bridge.

The river has ended its journey.

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