River Cherwell

The River Cherwell (/ˈtʃɑːrwɛl/ (About this soundlisten) or /ˈtʃɜːrwɛl/) is a tributary of the River Thames in central England. It rises near Hellidon, Northamptonshire and flows southwards for 40 miles (64 km) to meet the Thames at Oxford in Oxfordshire.[1]

The river gives its name to the Cherwell local government district and Cherwell, an Oxford student newspaper.

Cherwell is pronounced /ˈtʃɑːrwɛl/, particularly near Oxford, and /ˈtʃɜːrwɛl/ in north Oxfordshire.[2][3] The village of Charwelton uses the river name. It lies upriver in Northamptonshire, suggesting that the pronunciation /ˈtʃɑːrwɛl/ has long vied for use.

The river drains an area of 943 square kilometres (364 sq mi).[4] The Cherwell is the second largest tributary of the Thames by average discharge (after the River Kennet).[5]