River Rib

The River Rib is a tributary of the River Lea, which runs from Buckland in Hertfordshire, England. It flows into the River Lea to the east of Hertford.

Rib
The Rib close to its confluence with the River Lea
Location
Country	United Kingdom
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Buckland Nr. Buntingford, Hertfordshire
• elevation	130 m (430 ft)
Mouth
• location	Hertford, Hertfordshire into River Lea
Length	30.7 km (19.1 mi)

Course

Course of the River Rib

The River Rib originates near the East Hertfordshire village of Buckland and runs parallel with the A10 through Chipping, Wyddial, Buntingford, Westmill, and Braughing, where it is joined by its major tributary, the River Quin.

From Braughing, it flows through Puckeridge and Standon, before dividing the villages of Thundridge and Wadesmill and continuing until it reaches its confluence with the River Lea near Hertford.^[1]

History

Rib Valley near Bengeo

The River Rib was used to power an overshot watermill at Ware Park between Hertford and Ware.^[2]

The River Rib used to have frequent floods due to heavy rain in the autumn, but this propensity was resolved by dredging and engineering work in the 1970s. It was used as the main water supply in Buntingford and the surrounding areas before a pump was installed