Wateringbury Stream
| Wateringbury Stream known as Bratton Stream in Mereworth | |
|---|---|
| Basin features | |
| Main source | West Peckham |
| River mouth | River Medway |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Length | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
The Wateringbury stream is a tributary of the River Medway in Kent, England. in rises at Swanton, West Peckham parish, flows south east towards Mereworth and then flows in a generally easterly direction to join the River Medway at Wateringbury. It is some four miles (6 km) long and powered a number of watermills.
TQ 673 535 51°15′22″N 0°23′55″E / 51.256008°N 0.398537°E
The Domesday Book records two mills, value 10/-, at Marovrde (Mereworth). The site of the last mill now lies in the private grounds of Mereworth Castle. In 1460, it was held by Thomas Hunte. In 1521 it was a fulling mill, belonging to Sir Thomas Nevyle. In 1772 James Pound was the occupant, followed by his widow in March 1780 and John Pound in September 1780. He was at the mill until October 1791. Thomas Edmead was at the mill from 1792-1827. The mill was purchased by Viscount Falmouth c.1856. The mill was demolished by 1907 and the site is today marked by a waterfall at the eastern end of the lakes in the grounds of Mereworth Castle. The head would have been some 8 feet (2.44 m) or 10 feet (3.05 m), suggesting a high breast shot or overshot waterwheel.
The Domesday Book records three mills at Otringeberge (Wateringbury). Two mills were held by Ralf, son of Turald and valued at 3/-, a third was held by Hugh de Braibourne and worth 16d.
This mill was marked on C & G Greenwood's map of Kent, 1822. It was not mentioned in a survey of the parish carried out in 1828.
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