Thirty-five acres of calm. That’s King George VI Reservoir. It’s a sprawling expanse of water. The reservoir sits serenely between Stanwell Moor and Staines upon Thames. It’s southwest of Heathrow a surprising oasis of tranquility.
King George VI Reservoir. Opened in November 1947 it was a significant feat of engineering. The reservoir was named to honor the reigning monarch. It is owned and managed by Thames Water. Today this reservoir is crucial to London’s water supply.
Construction began in 1937. It was finished in 1939. The war delayed its opening though. A fascinating detail: a mock railway station was reportedly built inside the empty reservoir. This was a clever ruse to confuse potential Luftwaffe bombing raids. After the war the reservoir was finally used. It was formally opened by King George VI himself.
The King George VI Reservoir isn’t just a water source. It’s also a significant habitat. It’s part of the Staines Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest. Many birds call it home. Large wintering populations of tufted ducks pochard goosander and goldeneye reside there. To keep the grass on the embankments short a flock of sheep peacefully grazes. This helps with the inspection of the banks.
The reservoir holds a massive amount of water. Sources vary on the exact figures. Some say 3493 million gallons others cite 4466 million gallons. The top of its banks stand 56 feet above the surrounding land. The embankment itself measures 3 1/4 miles. It’s made of an earthen dam. It has a puddled clay lining and embankments made of materials excavated on site.
King George VI Reservoir’s construction was a large project. The accepted bid for the work in 1937 was £1292000. That’s equivalent to over £105 million today. The contractor was John Mowlem and Co Limited. This significant investment demonstrates the importance of the reservoir to the region.
The water enters the King George VI Reservoir from the Thames. It flows in from Hythe End above Bell Weir Lock. The water then moves through an aqueduct to Kempton Park and Hampton water treatment works. It finally reaches homes and businesses across West London. The King George VI Reservoir is a vital and fascinating piece of London’s history and infrastructure. It quietly fulfills its essential role in the life of the city.