The Gentleshaw Reservoir as shown on a 1949 1:10,000 Ordnance Survey map. Imagery from the National Library of Scotland.
I wonder if I might ask for a little help here, as I know I have the passing attention of people involved with South Staffordshire Water Company history and general utilities buffs.
I have a reader who’s mailed me and asked about Gentleshaw Reservoir (the one on Cannock Chase at Chestall, between Castle Ring and Beaudesert). In short, he’s not convinced it’s actually a reservoir.
I’ve looked at the South Staffordshire Waterworks history and there are only really mentions of the ‘Gentleshaw System’ and nothing for the reservoir itself.
I’m convinced that’s what it is – it’s even marked on maps as such. But some historical backup would be nice. Can anyone help, please? Also, is it still in use?
Please do comment here, or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
The reservoir as drafted on similar mapping in 1912. Imagery from the NLS.
RSS - Posts
What you are seeing on the map is now on Beaudesert Campsites. It was a reservoir constructed in blue engineering brick and approx 30 ft in diameter. It used to be filled with rubbish up to 30 years ago.
The small circular object is the reservoir, & the square area is a walled garden which had glasshouses for growing food for the Hall (Marquis of Anglesey). At the entrance to the camp site from Gentleshaw is a larger public reservoir. This is a large square covered object, this will be a public installation.
Hello Rocky, do you know how the reservoir was filled? Wondered if it was from a spring or stream? Or could it just be from water diverted from the glass houses? And were there signs that the inlet or outlet has been blocked? I’ve mentioned to Bob I wondered if it could have been something to do with the walled garden, as a source of water. However it is covered and on the outside, so that wouldn’t have been fit for purpose. That got me back on track with my original idea of a feeder for the water features. The garden was originally planned by William Emes, so I looked at his other designs, and came across this http://erddig.blogspot.co.uk/2006/03/erddig-walk-4-pleasure-grounds.html. I wonder if the cup and saucer pool was something similar (but covered)? I think if there’s no outlet, then the walled garden idea works, but if there is evidence of one, then the more likely water feature idea is the one.
just a thought are we thinking of beaudesert the old scouting camp at cannock wood a very well protected area in its day one had to report to the lodge before entering i think a jabooree was held there scoutes and guides camped there there were all thefaciliteas on site a small chapel well the caretaker for years was a MR NORMAN if my memory serves me wright how do i know the answer there was an elecrtric meter the other blue brick resovior was at hednesford hills now used for stock car racing dib dib from aer reg
PS there was also a lake and lodge at chestal wood very seclooded i believe the owners were the PAYNES shoe family
The two reservoirs circled are indeed still in operation and supply the Burntwood area. Seedy Mill pumping station feeds them. Both reservoirs are grass covered and appear as large mounds
Also the last house on the drive right on the site was Haydens who made kettles next to Manor Vinegar in Burntwood / Hammerwich.
HI Bob
is anything known about the Abbey,,ruins,,bottom of the map..please
kind regards
David
In a description of the seats of the Staffs gentry around 1899, and published by the Lichfield Mercury….Beaudesert.
In the immediate locality the remains of the old Monastery of Radmore, where monks of the Cistercian Order located themselves centuries ago, and on whom the Empress Maud and KIng Stephen conferred a considerable extent of land around the year 1154.
hi david just a thought could they be beuodesert hall home of the very man himself the marquis of anglsey who was a very signiticate very wealthy land owner in his day and powerful there are also
stories about the duke of wellington and the battle of waterloo atatched to beudesert like you we hear so many points of view and l legends and stories over the years it has given me hours of pleasure reading and mosterly listening ime no good on dates but i love stories keep up your reserch god bless
stories of the battle waterloo and the duke of attached to beau its just a thought i may be wrong i have heard so many tales over the years keep up your good work god bless
In the same book as mentioned to David above…
William Henry Paget, who, for his gallant services at the Battle of Waterloo and elsewhere, received the title of Marquis of Anglesey in 1815…
It is shown on the 1903 map, too, but it looks to be a wooded area, somewhat different to the 1912 version.
The SSWW history refers (p. 171) to the reservoir on Chestall road, built in 1930, which is clearly visible today.
Hello, my name’s Bob and I dropped a bollock. All will be clarified.
Stay tuned! Post coming later. If I’m still awake!
Best wishes
Bob