River Browney

The River Browney rises from a spring in Head Plantation, on the eastern slope of Skaylock Hill, about a mile south east of Waskerley.

Continuing eastwards past Langley Park and Witton Gilbert, the river then turns south and skirts the western edge of Durham.

[1] Until the last ice age, the Browney entered the River Wear just north of Durham City, in Pelaw Woods.

[2] Legend has it that following his defeat at Neville's Cross in 1346, King David II of Scotland was captured having sought shelter under a bridge over the Browney at Bearpark, close by where his Scottish soldiers had camped overnight beneath Beaurepaire Priory.

[citation needed] Andrew Breeze has argued that the river name forms the first element of 'Brunanburh', in the Battle of Brunanburh.

The River Browney at Sunderland Bridge, shortly before its confluence with the River Wear. Scented Himalayan Balsam has invaded the right riverbank, giving the site a sweet, floral smell.