Source of the River Thames, Trewsbury Mead

We all need beginnings,

to say I was there, 

to begin with a stir, a trickle, a gush,

then own the journey of river and time.

But the flat field here is inauspicious –

nothing to show for ten months of the year.

I could go to Ldywell

or to Seven Springs,

where they battled for the title of head of the river,

but I’d rather believe in where I am –

a stone and a bench

to mark this place,

rather believe 

that beneath me the river counts its days,

stays patient and deep,

waits to be knowable.

Trewsbury Mead

The exact source of a river always intrigues people – think of the Nile, the Amazon - though often it can be mysterious, hidden and leave a lot to the imagination… 

Trewsbury Mead, the source of the Thames, or as often called, Thames Head, is near Kemble in Gloucestershire and the source marker stone stands below the branches of an old ash tree, placed in 1974. Before this time the statue of Father Thames stood here until it was moved to St. John's Lock.

Kemble

Near to the Thames Head is the ancient village of Kemble, with roots dating back to the seventh century, is 4 miles from Cirencester. It was recorded in the Domesday Book as a settlement with thirty villagers and fifteen cottagers, with land held by the Abbot of Malmesbury.

All Saints Church dates back to around 1250, although it is belived a church was buitl earlier when  in the year 682 Cedwalla, King of Wessex, gave a grant of land in Kemble to Aldhelm, the Abbot of Malmesbury.