The reservoir dates to the 1850's and was constructed by digging out a great pit 108 feet long by 24 feet wide. The covering of the reservoir is supported by 15 Gothic arches which are partially covered in turf and is capable of holding 500,000 gallons. On its completion, the town mayor, Mr William Henry Payn, celebrated with a civic banquet for 100 gentlemen, and it was held in the empty reservoir. A painting of the interior, showing the tables laid up and ready, is owned by the town and is in the custody of the Town Council.Reservoir which is part of a Listed pumping station. A new reservoir was completed in 1940, but work had to be postponed until after the end of the Second World War (1).

<1> Trent and Peak Archaeological Unit, 2002, Water & Sewage Industries Step 3 Report, Kent 8 (Unpublished document). SKE8085.