See how Derwent Reservoir Derbyshire changed between the 1910s and 2020. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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## Derwent Reservoir
In 1902, construction began on the Derwent Dam, a neo-Gothic masonry structure designed to supply water to the industrial cities of the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. Chief engineer Edward Sandeman led the project, which involved transporting massive stones from Bole Hill quarries via a specially constructed railway. Over 1,000 workers resided in a temporary settlement known as Birchinlee, or "Tin Town." The reservoir was filled starting in November 1914 and overflowed for the first time in January 1916. During World War II, the reservoir served as a training ground for the 617 Squadron, known as the "Dambusters," who practiced low-level flying techniques for Operation Chastise. Today, the area is a popular spot for walking and cycling, with remnants of the old village of Derwent occasionally visible during periods of low water.
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