Catcleugh Reservoir (Rochester and Byrness)
Catcleugh Reservoir, completed in 1905 for Newcastle and Gateshead Water Company. Earth dam with puddle clay core and stone facing on water side. The dam measures 557.8m (610 yards); capacity 2305mg. (1)
Catcleugh Dam and impounding reservoir. Impounding scheme by T and C Hawksley for Newcastle and Gateshead Company. Formed by an earth dam on the River Rede. The initial scheme, designed by T Hawksley and approved by Act of 1889, was for a small reservoir and pipeline to Hallington (NY 9876). The pipeline was built between 1892-95, with a small intake upstream of the present dam. Construction of the dam was delayed and its design and the reservoir capacity reviewed. A revised scheme was approved by Act of 1894 (following Thomas' death and the appointment of his son Charles as engineer). Following site investigations in 1895, excavation of the cut-off trench began in 1900. This was filled with concrete and construction of the puddled clay core and earth dam began in 1900. During this time, issues over compensation water were decided and in relation to this the capacity of the reservoir was increased by Act of 1902. The size of the dam was slightly increased to accommodate this. The overflow lies beyond the south end of the dam with a spillway under a five-span bridge. An adjacent valve house controlled the outlet into a brick-lined tunnel (running under the valley side rather than under the dam) with an outlet gauge house and basin.
Works were completed and the reservoir opened in 1905. All works were carried out by direct labour housed in 'Newcastle' navvy camp, downstream of the dam, from 1891 (see NT 70 SE 51).
In 1910, following slight subsidence, remedial works were carried out between the valve house and spillway. In 1911, the gauging basin was bypassed to increase the discharge of the outlet main. Built as part of a much broader scheme including filters at Whittle Dean, piepbridge at Swallowell, pumping station at Benwell and two service reservoirs at Byker. (2)
Catcleugh Reservoir, 1891-1905 for the Newcastle and Gateshead Water Company. On grand Baroque scale. (3)
Catcleugh Dam and impounding reservoir. Impounding scheme by T and C Hawksley for Newcastle and Gateshead Company. Formed by an earth dam on the River Rede. The initial scheme, designed by T Hawksley and approved by Act of 1889, was for a small reservoir and pipeline to Hallington (NY 9876). The pipeline was built between 1892-95, with a small intake upstream of the present dam. Construction of the dam was delayed and its design and the reservoir capacity reviewed. A revised scheme was approved by Act of 1894 (following Thomas' death and the appointment of his son Charles as engineer). Following site investigations in 1895, excavation of the cut-off trench began in 1900. This was filled with concrete and construction of the puddled clay core and earth dam began in 1900. During this time, issues over compensation water were decided and in relation to this the capacity of the reservoir was increased by Act of 1902. The size of the dam was slightly increased to accommodate this. The overflow lies beyond the south end of the dam with a spillway under a five-span bridge. An adjacent valve house controlled the outlet into a brick-lined tunnel (running under the valley side rather than under the dam) with an outlet gauge house and basin.
Works were completed and the reservoir opened in 1905. All works were carried out by direct labour housed in 'Newcastle' navvy camp, downstream of the dam, from 1891 (see NT 70 SE 51).
In 1910, following slight subsidence, remedial works were carried out between the valve house and spillway. In 1911, the gauging basin was bypassed to increase the discharge of the outlet main. Built as part of a much broader scheme including filters at Whittle Dean, piepbridge at Swallowell, pumping station at Benwell and two service reservoirs at Byker. (2)
Catcleugh Reservoir, 1891-1905 for the Newcastle and Gateshead Water Company. On grand Baroque scale. (3)
N55
Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
Early 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
Early 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
HISTORIC AREA ASSESSMENT, Byrness Village Atlas (Historic Tynedale Village Atlas) ; The Archaeological Practice Ltd
Disclaimer -
Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.