River Brain

The River Brain is a tributary of the River Blackwater in Essex, England. It is claimed to have given its name to the town of Braintree, although it seems that the name ‘Braintree’ is older, and that the river name is a back formation from the town name; Braintree lies on a low ridge between the Brain and the River Blackwater. To the north of Braintree it is known as Pods Brook. The brook rises near the village of Bardfield Saling. Below Braintree the Brain joins the Blackwater in Whet Mead in Witham.^[1] In 2001, a "flood park" was planned to reduce the risk of overflow from the river.^[2]

River Brain in Whet Mead, a Local Nature Reserve in Witham in Essex

References and external links

1. Water Resources Board. The Surface Water Year-book of Great Britain, 1963-64: Hydrometric Statistics for British Rivers, Together with Related Rainfalls and River Water Temperatures. London: United Kingdom government. p. 78.
2. "Mid-Essex: Double trouble for River Brain". Gazette. 21 December 2001. Retrieved 15 November 2021.

• Map and aerial photo sources for grid reference:
  • TL 681 282 — the source of the Pods Brook
  • TL 832 137 — confluence with the Blackwater