Humber (England) (ancient Abus), estuary, eastern England, formed by the Trent and Ouse rivers. It flows generally east from the junction of the Trent and Ouse and then southeast into the North Sea, a distance of 60 km (40 mi). At its head the estuary is 2 km (1 mi) wide. Approximately 13 km (8 mi) above its mouth it widens to 13 km (8 mi). A shallow bay, enclosed by a peninsula called Spurn Head, is on the northern side of the mouth. Although navigation on parts of the Humber is made difficult by shoals, the river is an important shipping route; the ports of Hull, Grimsby, and Goole are situated on its banks. In ancient times it was a means of entrance to England for migrating peoples. One of the longest suspension bridges in the world spans the Humber near Hull.