The first reservoir at Grimwith was built between 1856 and 1864 by Bradford Corporation Waterworks. At the time industrial Bradford was desperate for increased water supplies and had already built reservoirs on nearby Barden Fell. This meant reduced water power for mill owners further down the River Wharfe, particularly in Otley. During the early 1960s Bradford Corporation again needed more water. They negotiated with the remaining mill owners for the rights to the water at Grimwith and drew up plans to expand the reservoir. The top level of the water was raised by 20 metres and the whole area increased to 1150ha making it the largest expanse of inland water in Yorkshire. When expanded it submerged more than 30 coal pits and three lead mine adits.
This photograph is by Red78 and was uploaded December 21st 2020. © Red78 please do not copy or distribute without prior express permission.
You can close this window to return to the main site.