Did you know Banbury Reservoir in Walthamstow was once part of a much larger system? This wasn’t just any body of water. Banbury Reservoir played a vital role in London’s water supply. It’s a fascinating piece of history hidden in plain sight.
Banbury Reservoir is one of the reservoirs in the Lee Valley Reservoir Chain. It’s located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. This sprawling reservoir covers 46 hectares. Its maximum depth is 8.5 meters. It holds a significant volume of water 2.95 Gl.
The story of Banbury Reservoir begins in 1897. The East London Waterworks Company started building it. The project continued under further acts passed in 1900. The reservoir was finally completed in 1903. The Metropolitan Water Board took over in 1904. Today Thames Water owns Banbury Reservoir.
Think of the people who built this. They toiled for years to create this vital part of London’s infrastructure. This impressive feat of engineering wasn’t just about pipes and pumps. It was a community effort transforming the landscape. The reservoir’s construction also involved straightening the River Ching. The river now flows into the River Lea within the reservoir itself.
Before Banbury Reservoir there was something else here. Salisbury Hall’s fishery stood on this land. It was later known as the Blue House and then Game’s Water. The reservoir completely submerged this older site. It’s amazing to think about the changes over time.
The reservoir also has a link to industry. The Philips Records factory opened nearby in 1958. This factory used state of the art pressing plants. National Plastics Ltd opened its own plant here in 1953. They made plastics building components. The area around Banbury Reservoir shows the transition from rural life to industrial activity.
Today Banbury Reservoir is more than just a water source. It serves as a watersports hub. The Lee Valley Watersports Centre uses its waters for recreation. The reservoir is surrounded by 20th-century housing. New housing was built around it in the early 21st century. This reflects London’s constant expansion.
Standing here before Banbury Reservoir we’ve only scratched the surface. Its story unfolds with every ripple. It speaks of London’s past present and future. This humble reservoir reflects London’s ever changing needs. From providing water to promoting leisure Banbury Reservoir tells a remarkable story.