Monument record MDR14098 - Former Watford Reservoir, Buxton

A reservoir and an associated sluice are depicted on the 1st edition 25" OS map of c. 1880. By the 2nd edition 25" OS map of c. 1990 it is labelled as 'Watford Reservoir (Buxton U. D. C. Water Works)'. (1-2) The first attempt to supply Buxton with water was made by the Duke of Devonshire in the latter part of the last century [writing in 1895], when a reservoir was made at Burbage, mains laid to his property in the town, and a public fountain erected in the centre of Market Square. Other reservoirs were afterwards constructed at Cold Springs, Lightwood, Ladmanslow and Watford. Previous to 1873 the waterworks were held on lease by the Local Board, but under powers of an Act of Parliament obtained that year, they were purchased by the town for the sum of £10,000. All the springs supplying the reservoirs are situated in the gritstone formation, and the water consequently is of excellent quality, remarkably soft and free form organic matter. (3) The reservoir is no longer in use, and is now part of an area of rough grassland and scrub, but the stone walls that formerly surrounded it appear largely in tact. It is not known what remains of the sluice. (4-5)