Forum Topic

Resevoir or ???

Hi all,Can anyone tell me whether there is a resevoir in Ealing, surrounded by Corfton Road, Hillside Road, Park View Road and Hillcrest Road ? If not a resevoir, what on earth is there ? My Google searches have proven inconclusive.This link will take you to Google Maps if you're unsure of the roads I referece https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=marks+and+spencer+ealing&hl=en&ll=51.522857,-0.296137&spn=0.006168,0.016512&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=12.009394,33.815918&hq=marks+and+spencer&hnear=Ealing,+Greater+London,+United+Kingdom&t=m&fll=51.522857,-0.296137&fspn=0.006168,0.016512&z=17

Bud Richards ● 4759d7 Comments

I believe there is another at the top of Horsenden Hill

Chris Bell ● 4758d

There were Two reservoirs on Hangar hill.One was filled in in 1969-73 and is now a park.The other was a 'header' tank reservoir which still exists and runs from Hillcrest to Corfton road. We used to play in it as kids. But somehow even though it was deserted, Some bloke from looking like Blakey would turn up in a MWB uniform and throw us all out.In the 80's it was revamped and is part of the London Ring main. It ha an underground storage capacity with lots of pillars supporting the structure but I think it is only used for strategic demand .

Michael Brandt ● 4758d

Hi Brian,That's fascinating.  I always did wonder what that huge mound of grass was for and now I know.  Sounds like your info could form part of a very interesting local history talk re Ealing during WW2 which would be great to listen to.  Have you ever thought of approaching LBE to give a talk in the Green Room of Ealing Central Library?  They have regular evenings there on various topics and I try to attend as many as I can (they are usually very good).

Elizabeth Anna Thaddeus ● 4759d

Thank you very much both!!I thought it was but was not certain and this explains also what I can see in the aerial pictures on Google images!

Bud Richards ● 4759d

Budhttp://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=EAL021Ruddy Fox reservoir, the 'heart' of my school cross-country runs when Churchfields was too muddy - GRR! :-)

Nigel Brooks ● 4759d

The original reservoir was what is now the sports field in Hillcrest Road, alongside Fox Lane.  This was filled in at the beginning of WW2 as any open water is easily visible from aircraft and made a pathway for enemy bombers to London.  Just south of Hillcrest Road, in the area you mention, there is a water tower alongside what looks like a raised grass field.  The reservoir is beneath that grass and completely covered in a concrete bunker.  Water is pumped into it and can be run out at will by pump or gravity to the local area.

Brian Davis ● 4759d

Hi Bud,Yes, a reservoir is located in Ealing, as you state, and I must say, it is an impressive site.  It is just nearly opposite Hanger Hill Park and I pass it often.

Elizabeth Anna Thaddeus ● 4759d