River Test

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The Test downstream of Sadler's Mill, Romsey

The Test is tidal in Southampton and is lined with quays

The River Test is a river in Hampshire, England. The river has a total length of 40 miles (64 km) and it flows through some beautiful downland from its source near Basingstoke to the sea at the head of Southampton Water. In its upper reaches it is a chalk stream, noted for its trout fishing.Environment Agency (2006). [Fact file on the River Test]. Retrieved February 8 2006.

The river rises near the village of Ashe, and flows west through the villages of Overton, Laverstoke, and the town of Whitchurch, before joining with the Bourne Rivulet at Testbourne and turning into a more southerly direction. It then flows through the villages of Longparish and Middleton to Wherwell and Chilbolton, where the Rivers Dever and Anton contribute to the flow.Ordnance Survey (2004). OS Explorer Map 144 - Basingstoke, Alton & Whitchurch. ISBN 0319236064.

From Chlibolton the river flows through the villages of Leckford, Longstock, Stockbridge and Houghton to Mottisfont and Kimbridge, where the River Dun joins the flow. From here the village of Timsbury is passed before reaching the town of Romsey. On the western edge of Romsey, Sadler's Mill, an 18th Century watermill, sits astride the River Test.Ordnance Survey (2004). OS Explorer Map 131 - Romsey, Andover & Test Valley. ISBN 0319236005.

South of Romsey, the river flows past the country house of Broadlands, past Nursling that was once the site of a Roman bridge, and between the Southampton suburbs of Totton and Redbridge. Here the river is joined by the River Blackwater and soon becomes tidal, widening out into a considerable estuary that is lined on its northern bank by the container terminals and quays of the Port of Southampton. Finally the Test estuary meets that of the River Itchen and the two continue to the sea as Southampton Water.Ordnance Survey (2004). OS Explorer Map OL22 - New Forest. ISBN 0319236161.

Between Chilbolton and Redbridge, the river was once paralleled by the abandoned Andover Canal. Much of the length of this canal was converted to a railway in 1865, and much of this railway has since also been abandoned. As a result, most traces of the canal have completely disappeared, although the remains of a stretch of the canal can still be seen between Timsbury and Romsey.Andover Town Central (2000-2006). [The Andover Canal]. Retrieved February 9 2006.

The river is managed by the Environment Agency, whilst the Port of Southampton is the navigation authority for the tidal section below Redbridge.

The River Test has given its name to the Test Valley District, a local government district in the area.

See also

• Rivers of the United Kingdom

References