The London Gazette Friday 20 November 1874 In Parliament -Session 1875.
Notice by Manchester corporation
for application to parliament for the Manchester Corporation Waterworks
and Improvement act
(year and chapter: 38 & 39 Vice.
c.clxi) which includes definition of unto 5 reservoirs in Audenshaw with
associated culverts and pipe work. Includes diverting Dodge leach brook
which marks the Audenshaw Denton boundary, through location, dimension's
and shape.
The Guardian Friday 20 November 1874, Page 3 In Parliament-Session 1875.
Same as London Gazette above.
The Manchester Evening News Thursday 30 September 1875, Page 2, col 5 MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL.
The Manchester Corporation Waterworks and Improvement act 1875 has just received the royal assent. Also noted new town hall being fitted out.
The Guardian Wednesday 31 January 1877, Page 6 THE WATER SUPPLY OF MANCHESTER
Completion of the Longdendale works
article, started 28 years earlier with brief description and costs. Also
mentions
plans for 5 new reservoirs at Gorton
(i.e. Audenshaw) and cleaning up Gorton reservoir which has been made useless
by local pollution and to prevent future fouling with a watercourse (probably
culvert feeding into Gore brook from near Dean head traveling to Gorton). Contracts for the
new roads in Audenshaw have been struck a few weeks earlier.
The Guardian Thursday 26 April 1877, Page 1 CONTRACTs - MANCHESTER CORPORATION WATERWORKS
Classified advert from Manchester
corp waterworks "Tender for Reservoirs at Denton" consists of 3 storage
reservoirs (Audenshaw) by town clerk in March. Includes earthworks and
drains from 18" to 4ft diameter. Also pipework 40" and 36". Plans &
drawings cost 3 guineas.
Following advert "Tender for Valves
and Sluices" (about 30) at Denton to fit 36" pipes, plans cost 1 guinea.
Deadline for both is 12th May 1877.
The Guardian Wednesday 31 October 1877, Page 6 THE THIRLMERE WATER SCHEME.
Description of the Thirlmere scheme from information provided by the waterworks committee including quantities and build costs. Audenshaw reservoirs are sanctioned by the 1875 act and are currently under construction but in 10 years time, water demand will outstrip capacity.
The London Gazette Friday 23 November 1877 In Parliament - Session 1878.
Notice by Manchester corporation for application to parliament for the Manchester Corporation Waterworks (New Works for the Supply of Water from Lake Thirlmere) which outlines powers needed to build Thirlmere reservoir, aqueduct and associated pipe work.
The Guardian Thursday 14 February 1878, Page 6 MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL
Article including coverage of the annual report of the Waterworks committee. 3 New reservoirs (not 5 as stated in the 1875 act) with Messrs Benton and Woodiwiss appointed as contractors. The sewerage culvert round Gorton reservoir (flowing into Gore brook) is in progress including work done passing below the Stockport branch canal during May 1877 and foundations for the aqueducts across Gorton reservoir laid. Also includes table of estimated water revenue.
The Guardian Thursday 07 March 1878, Page 5 THE MANCHESTER CORPORATION WATER BILL
Coverage of yesterdays Parliamentary select committee into the water Bill covering the Thirlmere scheme. Council owns 372 acres of land at Denton for water use. It questions the councils legal power derived from various acts and covers geological difficulties found building reservoirs in the Longdendale valley causing leaks. In the 1840's, Manchester and Salford Waterworks had been getting water from sandstone wells, neighbouring Ashton and also the Peak Forest canal.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 22 August 1878, Page 1 THE MANCHESTER CORPORATION WATER WORKS
Classified advert Tender for the construction and completion of 3000ft of culverts and drains round Gorton res. from 3ft to 8ft diameter, removing 90,000 cubic yards of earth. Plans & drawings cost 3 guineas with a closing date of 16th September.
The Manchester Courier Monday 26 August 1878, Page 1 Contracts - MANCHESTER CORPORATION WATER WORKS
Same as Manchester Guardian above - probably related to the Dean head brook plus other streams and is the pipeline going through Gorton lower and upper res. Adverts below this for Ashton-under-lyne, Stalybridge and Dukinfield waterworks show John Bateman was also engineer for these works, particularly yeoman hey reservoir near Dovestones.
The Manchester Guardian Friday 24 January 1879, Page 8 THE DISTRESS: ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE
AUL Board of Guardians provided relief
to outdoor labourers / Navies in Audenshaw working on the water works contract.
The MP for the area reckons they
come from outside of the area in order to take advantage of the situation.
The Distress may
relate to an economic downturn or
difficulties caused by the frosty weather.
The Manchester Guardian Wednesday 29 January 1879, Page 6 THE DISTRESS: MANCHESTER AND SALFORD
The Waterworks contractor at Gorton and Denton, Benton and Woodiwiss relieved 1300 out of work men in one day last week.
The Manchester Guardian Friday 31 January 1879, Page 8 THE MANCHESTER CORPORATION AND THE NAVVIES AT AUDENSHAW
AUL Board of Guardians still supplying relief - 2200 in one week and is double this time last year. Some confusion exist as to whether workers were getting feed by the contractor & Manchester Corporation, with some navies needing 18 months employment to qualify. Mr Muir named as Manager of the contractors. Frost appears to be reason for these out of work labourers.
The Manchester Guardian Monday 03 February 1879, Page 5 THE MANCHESTER CORPORATION WATERWORKS
Committee annual report preview.
New reservoirs referred to as the Denton extension with road works contract
awarded to W and J Worthington, currently valued at £19,285 and 6s.
The 1 year old Benton and Woodiwiss reservoir contract is in progress including
earthworks, embankment and brickwork.£128,741
out of the total £276,204 16s 6d contract built upto December.
Benton and Woodiwiss have also been given the contract to complete the culvert/aqueduct
around Gorton reservoir for drainage into Gore Brook. Also included in
its contract is pitching of upper Gorton reservoir (stone work up the reservoir
bank) All work was stopped for 5 weeks since early December due to severe
weather.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 03 February 1881, Page 6 THE MANCHESTER WATER SUPPLY
Annual return on water consumption.
Since 1879, daily consumption has risen from about 17 to 18 million gallons.
Maximum supply
is currently 25 million gallons
and the Audenshaw reservoirs for storage are still under construction
Demand will make Longdendale out of capacity soon so the Thirlmere scheme
will be needed, authorised by parliament.
The Manchester Guardian Saturday 23 July 1881, Page 11 Sales by auction
Sale of contractors plant by Arthur T Cron on behalf of Messrs Benton and Woodiwiss on Monday July 25th at Gorton waterworks, Audenshaw, Manchester midway between Gorton stations on Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire railway.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 10 November 1881, Page 7 THE WATER SUPPLY.
The 3 Audenshaw reservoirs are now complete and awaiting connection.
The Manchester Guardian Saturday 7 January 1882, Page 7 (supplement) MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL - THE WATERWORKS
Cost of Audenshaw and Denton reservoirs under The act of 1875 is £654,296 revealed during monthly council meeting with Longdendale now sinking £2,336,547.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 6 April 1882, Page 6, col3 MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL
The monthly council town hall meeting debates whether to progress the
Thirlmere scheme or wait till Audenshaw / Denton reservoirs
are complete. Industry demand all over Lancashire means cotton mills
are being built everywhere requiring water, competing with Manchester.
The Manchester Weekly times and Examiner
Saturday 16 December 1882, Page 6
ACTION AGAINST THE CONTRACTORS
Audenshaw reservoir contractors Benton
and Woodiwiss loose county court case at Ashton on Thursday brought by
local
The Stalybridge Reporter Saturday 12 May 1883,
Page 5, col5 MANCHESTER WATERWORKS.
Manchester water works committee turned on 36" water main from one of the Audenshaw reservoirs on Thursday which a few weeks ago had begun filling.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 7 February
1884, Page 7 THE POLICY
OF THE WATERWORKS COMMITTEE
Audenshaw works practically finished
and water from Thirlmere not yet required.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 7 February
1884, Page 3, col5
MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL
In relation to the waterworks committee,
one of Audenshaw reservoirs commences operation (use) in June 1883. The
article also covers revenue and interest payments for waterworks construction
loans.
The Manchester Evening News Saturday
21 June 1884, Page 2, col4
CORRESPONDENCE - THE WATER SUPPLY
Letter from chair of the waterworks
committee Henry Patterson responding to complaints about the smell of the
water supplied to parts of the city. The corporation stopped using Gorton
reservoirs in summer 1883 due to issues and now supplies lower districts
from
Audenshaw no.2 reservoir recently
completed. No complaints since.
The Manchester Courier Saturday 27 September
1884, Page 3, col5 BREWSTERS
SESSIONS ASHTON COUNTY
Plans for 80 year old Bulls head
pub (now memorial gardens, between Blue pig and Hanging gate) near waterworks to be
demolished. Audenshaw's population is 6,000. Manchester corporation pulled
down 133 houses and a clay works to build the reservoirs over 4 square
miles, displacing 660 people in Audenshaw village.
The Manchester Courier Tuesday 7 October
1884, Page 8, col6
THE MANCHESTER WATER SUPPLY
Report to the waterworks committee
by city analyst into the fishy smell of the corporations water. Gorton,
Audenshaw and Denton reservoirs are at a lower level than Godley but have
a higher temperature which encourages pond snails in the summer months.
The proposed solution is to stock the storage reservoirs with predatory
fish Char and Trout.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 30 October
1884, Page 8, col5
THE WATER SUPPLY
Coverage of the waterworks committee
meeting during Wednesday at the town hall monthly session (Chair Alderman
Patterson). 2 of Audenshaw reservoirs are in use for supply with consumption
double what is was in drought year 1868. Council has applied to purchase
wayleaves for the Thirlmere scheme which is some 10 years off.
The Manchester Courier Saturday 15 November
1884, Page 3, col7
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter to the editor states pumping
from a well in Audenshaw yielding 800,000 gallons per day into Gorton reservoir
ceased a few years ago and didn't have a fishy smell. The writer Matthew
Hilton says an inexhaustible supply of subterranean red sandstone water
exists with Audenshaw works costing over £100,000 and implies these
capital projects enable corruption.
The Manchester Guardian Saturday 29
November 1884, Page 9, col4
THE WATER SUPPLY
Letter from Matthew Hilton to the
editor about the demolished Audenshaw ground water well and pump. He says
Audenshaw reservoirs annual running cost is £6,000. He implies water
quality is diminished by soot contamination, storing it open close to the
city.
The Manchester Courier Wednesday 3 December
1884, Page 2, col7
CORRESPONDENCE - MANCHESTER WATER
Letter from John Grave (former Manchester
water works committee chair) about previous correspondent, council member
Matthew Hilton. The water pumping station worked regularly from 1847 to
1851 and was actually in Gorton, not Audenshaw with yields progressively
decreasing from 1.5m to 750,000 gallons per day. He denies Audenshaw reservoirs
cost £6,000 to run.
The Manchester Evening News Wednesday 7 January
1885, Page 2, col 4
BURSTING OF A WATER MAIN AT GORTON
24" water main from Audenshaw reservoir burst just after 11pm On Hyde road outside Belle Vue Gardens,
taking over an hour for waterment to stop.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 8 January
1885, Page 6, col4
MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL
Coverage of the monthly council meeting. Waterworks Committee have voted to appoint Mr G W Hill has engineer.
Current system capacity is 6bn gallons and unforeseen capacity reduction has occurred due to build up of silt - upto 8ft in some reservoirs.
There was a 7 month drought March - October 1884 so the council discussed work implementing the full Thirlmere scheme which is now needed and
would cost £2m over 7 years. The Manchester Courier Tuesday 1 December
1885, Page 3, col 5
CORRESPODNANCE - THIRLMERE.
Letter to the newspaper's editor from M Samelson MD about council waterworks spend and (noted in previous paper articles) loss of about 2.9bn gallons (about 1/3rd annual consumption) of water PA.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 3 December
1885, Page 8, col 5
MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL - THE THIRLMERE SCHEME
Wednesdays council meeting hears that Messers Thos. Vernon and co London have submitted tender
for 5 year build of 3 Thirlmere tunnels to the waterworks committee. A drought this year but Audenshaw reservoir
was full. Councillors question the need for Thirlmere despite constant requests for new mains installations.
The Manchester Courier Friday 29 January
1886, Page 6, col 5
MANCHESTER CORPORATION WATERWORKS
The newspaper covers the waterworks committee annual report to be presented at next Wednesdays council meeting
which has various income and expenditure figures.
Audenshaw reservoirs now complete and in operation with Benton and Woodiwiss paid £335,233 for this
work. Contract for 3 Thrilmere tunnels through hills goes to Messers Thomas Vernon &co valued at £125,531.
51,000 tones of cast iron pipes to be used over 45 miles from Messers Macfarlane, Strang & co + Staveley
coal and Iron co. for £233,193.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 29 July
1886, Page 8, col4
THE MANCHESTER WATERWORKS.
Manchester council members visit
Longdendale valley waterworks which sits in Cheshire and Derbyshire, 18
miles from Manchester. Running since 1851, its estimated to supply 25m
gallons per day and is mostly composed of spring water. Currently 16 reservoirs
in the system all listed with acreage (not capacity). New embankment was
built for the Woodhead reservoir due to leaks caused by geology.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 29
July 1886, Page 5, col7
THE MANCHESTER WATERWORKS.
Coverage of the Waterworks
committee visit to Longdendale waterworks, conveyed on MS&LR special
train to Woodhead station. Total cumulative reservoir capacity is 5.9 billion
gallons of water. The council also breeds char and trout to stock the reservoirs,
reducing animal and vegetative matter.
Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser Friday 30 July
1886, Page 5, col 4
THE MANCHESTER WATERWORKS.
Same coverage as The Guardian previous day. Invited to the visit was Chairman of Tyldesley board.
Longdendale drainage area is about 19,300 statute acres / 30sq miles. Total money spent to date on the works is £3,127,595.
Denton and Haughton Examiner Saturday 15 January 1887, Page 5, col 1
THE BULL'S HEAD LICENSE
Manchester Corporation acquired the Bulls head in 1881 from Mrs Lees of Southport
The last land lord who left on 10th October 1885 was Richard Spencer who paid £234 for fixtures, fittings & goodwill
with the Corporation pulling it down that year.
The previous tenant before that John Stanley. The new road (Corporation road) was built by Manchester Corporation.
Derbyshire Courier Saturday 18 June 1887, Page 6, col 7
DEATH OF MR GEORGE BENTON
at Stretford. Former partner from 1861 in the construction firm
Benton and Woodiwiss with the late Abraham Woodiwiss. The company built
various railways and the Marple viaduct with the last undertaking 1877 through 1884 Audenshaw reservoirs.
4 November 1825 - 17 June 1887.
The Manchester Courier Monday 05 September
1887, Page 6, col3
EXCURSIONS VISIT TO THE WATERWORKS IN LONGDENDALE
About 100 people took an MS&LR special train from London road Manchester with the council to Crowden, taking 30 minutes.
Included visit to fishery at Hollingworth for stocking Audenshaw service reservoirs to aid purity. Train back from Hadfield took
just over 20 minutes.
The Manchester Courier Wednesday 14 December
1887, Page 6, col6
MANCHESTER ANGLERS ASSOCIATION
At the associations annual dinner, the speaker said the Corporation have fishing
rights for Audenshaw and Thirlmere but do not issue permits. The reservoir has been stocked with fish
since 1884 following a report by one of the association members. The original owners of
land round Longdendale retain fishing rights to that water. The article implies bait used in fishing causes water pollution.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 6 December
1888, Page 8, col7
THE MANCHESTER WATER SUPPLY
Mayor holds council meeting at Manchester town hall in public about a new parliamentary bill
for Thirlmere called The Manchester corporation act 1889. The council intends increasing rates
to bring 10m - 50m gallons per day in stages. Min cost £2.5m. Manchester water
consumption is 20m gallons per day and is supplying beyond the city - was 11m in 1858.
The Longdendale scheme cost £3.5m. For some reasons, Lake district defence committee no longer
oppose drowning so much land near Keswick to raise the water level.
Liverpool Mercury Tuesday 03 September
1889, Page 8, col2
Contracts
Manchester waterworks committie Classified ad for Thirlmere aqueduct contract no.8 tender 16m miles from Horwich to Prestwich using
40 and 36" dia cast iron pipes. Closing date of 3rd October for bids and copies cost 2 guineas.
The Manchester Courier Friday 02 May
1890, Page 6, col6
Manchester Waterworks committee report mentions the contracts in connection with the
Thirlmere aqueduct such as tunnels, pipes, reservoirs, roads and fuel with specs let to:
1., 3. & 10. Messers. Morrison and Mason contractors The Manchester Courier Monday
12 May 1890, Page 8, col7
MANCHESTER'S WATER SUPPLY.
Ancoats Brotherhood visit Longdendale via MS&LR train from London rd on a tour provided
by the Waterworks committee. Prior to 1851, Manchester and Salford waterworks company
used the old waterworks constructed by Sir Oswald Mosley on the river Medlock
at Holt town. After that, the works at Gorton drained 1500 aches of land for
water and a new red sandstone well yielding 0.75m gallons daily of dubious
quality. Pipe work was made from Gloucester colitic sandstone pipes.
Mr J F LaTrobe Bateman recommended the Longdendale scheme which was estimated
to afford 24m gallons per day of the river Ethrow, ultimately flowing into the Mersey.
The article details dimensions, capacities of the reservoirs totalling 6bn gallons as shown in the table below.
Capital, labour and material have never been so cheap and is the ideal
time to build. Thirlmere permission was granted in 1879 and £268,153
had been spent upto 1881, £400,000 by end of 1882.
Powers in act will expire in 1886. The watershed is at the north end of Thirlmere
(due to physical geology), so a 5½
mile underground pipe is needed to bring it to the south end costing £140,000
to bore 3 tunnels over 7 years. Torside reservoir contains 1.4 billion
gallons of water,1/3rd of the total capacity. It appears the waterworks
committee is reluctant to publish financial details including payment of
wayleaves and land purchases.
farmers including principle plaintiff
Alfred Stelfox. The company claimed that the Council were liable under
the act and that
the farmers had damaged the private
road.
(note records show
an Alfred Stelfox lives at Saxon Farm, which is at the end of Stelfox lane,
next to guide bridge).
Costs of construction from capital estimated to double every 18 years so wondered if a cheaper solution would be to extend from Derwent water
6 miles away into Woodhead proposed by engineer Mr Crook for £580,000 adding 9m gallons per day.
2. Messers. Macfarlane, Strang and Co. Ltd & the Staveley Coal and Iron Company Ltd.
4. Messers. Monk and Newell.
5. Messers. M'Crea and M'Farland, contractors.
6. Messers. John Alrd and sons, contractors.
7. Messers. Watt and Wilson, contractors.
8. Mr William Webster, contractor.
9. Kirk, Knight and Co,, contractors.
The Manchester Courier Monday 12 August 1890, Page 1, col7 MANCHESTER CORPORATION WATERWORKS
Manchester waterworks committie Classified ad for Ironworks and valves at Woodhead Reservoir. Cost 1 guinea.
The Manchester Times Friday 24 July 1891, Page 5, col7 Notes and quieries
Short history of Manchester water. Corrupt business in the form of the Manchester and Salford water co. and the Stone pipe company supplied the city with useless overpriced stone pipes for water supply. The council took over in 1847. According to John Harland, a number where purchased and just buried in a pit at Holt town.
The Manchester Courier Saturday 10 June 1893, Page 9, col9 WASTE OF WATER.
Letter from contributor Nemo.
Waterworks committee told council meeting water supply will only last 72 days. The writer bemoans the water waste by the council and expense building Audenshaw reservoirs when there was well water which could be pumped.
The Manchester Courier Wednesday 21 June 1893, Page 5, col8 THE MANCHESTER WATER SUPPLY.
Absence of rain is causing water shortages with only 50 days left in Longdendale, Audenshaw etc. Water is turned off between 8pm and 5am. The council is pumping subterranean water supplies for use by the cleansing department on road to reduce dust.
Stalybridge Reporter Saturday 05 August 1893, Page 6, col3 AUDENSHAW LOCAL BOARD.
Various committee meetings of Audenshaw local board etc about pollution of Gore Brook which councils in Ashton, Denton, Droylsden, Gorton and Manchester dump sewage into.
The Manchester Weekly times Friday 19 January 1894, Page 5, col2 THE NEW MANCHESTER WATERWORKS
Special about Thirlmere starting supply as the Manchester ship canal and Hydraulic power systems complete around the same time. Short history of unpalatable Manchester water before 1847 improvements using Longdendale costing £2.6m to date. JF Bateman suggested in 1868 more water supply was needed, suggesting a joint scheme with Liverpool from the Lake district. Ullswater was scrapped due to Large stately homes on the bank and lead mine pollution. Thirlmere estimated to hold 9bn gallons now the level has been raised with an embankment at the outlet. Council committee members admit trespassing on Lake district land in order to survey it for compulsory purchase valuation. Work started on Thirlmere after the 1878 application for an act of parliament.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 15 February 1894, Page 3, col4 CIVIC LIFE AND CIVIC DUTIES
Report on a lecture given by Bosdin T Leech on Wednesday evening at New Islington hall ancoats covering Manchester water history including Longendale and Thirlmere. The river Irwell was used for water in the city and records show from 1506, a spring in Spring gardens or Fountain St. Covers building Gorton Reservoirs in 1823 connected to Holt town service reservoirs. Description of what each Longendale reservoir (started in 1843) was used for. Water from Godley is strained through wire gauze and travels via 40" main to Denton, Audenshaw and Gorton. Pipe from Godley to Prestwich provides high pressure water which supplies higher parts of Manchester and has improved fire fighting. Thirlmere started in 1885 by Damming the north end at St John's Beck to raise the water level giving 3bn gallon capacity. New outlet at the south and tunnelling 95miles to a new reservoir at Prestwich. Corporation also provides Hydraulic power in the city from works on Gloucester street.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 04 October 1894, Page 6, col7 WATERWORKS COMMITTEE.
The corporation continues to have
difficulties with water quality and fishy smell, now blamed on fish stocked
in the reservoirs, revelled
at yesterdays meeting . The Problem
appears intermittently in some areas of the city and not others with water
in Gorton reservoir getting 1 complaint and Audenshaw getting 49. Alderman
Clay confirms that the open sewer running round Gorton reservoir has been
replaced by a brick culvert.
The Manchester Guardian Saturday 26 June 1895, Page 4 THE QUALITY OF MANCHESTER WATER.
Report from Owens College (Manchester uni) commissioned by water works committee in October. One of Audnshaw's reservoirs was suspected or being stocked with suspect water (probably flood water rather than spring water). The chemical and biological test results show the water to be satisfactory. The organic mater found is said to cause unpleasant taste and smell when multiplying rapidly, probably caused by not renewing the water.
The Manchester Guardian Tuesday 26 April 1898, Page 5 THE MANCHESTER WATER SUPPLY
1¼ mile out of 4¼ of
30" main has been laid from Godley to Audenshaw reservoirs under the 1897
Manchester corporation act.
Thirlmere currently supplying 7½
million out of 10 million gallons of water per day.
The Manchester Courier Monday 05 October 1903, Page 6, col6 MANCHESTER WATERWORKS.
Report to the committee says a 2nd line of pipes is under construction from Thirlmere which is capable of supplying 50m gallons per day. It recommends building a reservoir NW of Heaton park for this water which is 96 miles away. Additional reservoirs may be needed at Denton and Audenshaw.
The Manchester Evening News Wednesday 27 July 1904, Page 2 WATER MAIN BURST AT AUDENSHAW.
Godley main burst on Audenshaw Road near reservoir junction of 30/36" main, resulted in water supply issues in Newton Heath, Prestwich etc.
The Manchester Courier Friday 29 July 1904, Page 9, col4 MANCHESTER WATER SUPPLY.
Estimated daily water consumption
is 36m gallon. 2nd Thirlmere pipe should come into service in the next
3 months. Higher parts of the city are supplied from directly Godley which
contains peaty Longdendale water due to lower reservoir levels in summer
and does
not have this problem with steady
rainfall and higher reservoir levels. Longdendale currently supplies 23m
gallons daily to the system.
The Manchester Evening News Wednesday 03 August 1904, Page 6, col4 WATER SUPPLY.
Sir John Harwood, committee chair says Audenshaw reservoir holding 330m gallons of water is sinking due to subsidence caused by coal workings. This is evident from cracks in walls and this could affect operation of water plant including valves. Counsel was being consulted, presumably to obtain injunctive relief (BGS maps show underground workings from 1902 to 1909 in the location of reservoir no.1).
The Manchester Guardian Monday 30 October 1905, Page 11, col7
Brief coverage of Saturdays Chancery division court session which mentions Mayor & c. of Manchester v. New Moss Colliery company (coal mine near Ashton Moss in Rycroft) fixed to November 21 as the date of hearing by judge Mr Justice Farwell.
The Manchester Guardian Saturday 18 November 1905, Page 10, col6 MANCHESTER CORPORATION AND THE NEW MOSS COLLIERY CO.
Manchester Council successfully applies in the Chancery division to have case heard against New Moss Colliery company next Tuesday.
The Manchester Evening News Wednesday 22 November 1905, Page 5, col3 THE CORPORATION RESERVOIRS.
Resumed court hearing in Manchester Corp v. New Moss Colliery company yesterday regarding damage to Audenshaw, Denton and Gorton reservoirs and waterworks. Audenshaw reservoirs 1-3 cover 251 acres and have capacities of 528m, 371m and 542m gallons The miner gave notice in May 1900 that they intend mining under the works. Since then, the corporation noticed embankment wall subsidence of upto 2 feet. This subsidence was blamed for the Manchester water famine in 1903.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 23 November 1905, Page 3,col4 MANCHESTER WATERWORKS CASE.
New Moss Colliery company also have
a counter-claim under the Waterworks clauses act of 1847 Engineer for the
corporation Mr G H Hill says that during reservoir constructions between
1881 and 1884, weak materials caused trouble.
Page 6,col1: Subsidence
at Audenshaw blamed for putting the city on short measures for 7 weeks
in 1903.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 23 November 1905, Page 10, col3 AUDENSHAW SUBSIDENCE.
In the court case, Manchester council engineer says construction of the reservoir embankment was troubled by the richness of the soil. Storage had to be reduced by 330m gallons to stop the walls splitting.
The Manchester Courier Friday 24 November 1905, Page 8, col4 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
Coverage of yesterdays court case by the waterworks - the supervisor Mr Taylor says since 1896, the reservoir keepers house had sunk 11 inches. The reservoir keeper Mr Bennett says he placed a mark on one of the reservoirs in 1883 which had sunk five inches.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 28 November 1905, Page 5, col3 THE CORPORATION RESERVOIRS.
In court today, counsel. for New
Moss Colliery says they should be compensated for not working minerals
they are legally
entitled to mine under the waterworks.
The Manchester Courier Wednesday 29 November 1905, Page 2, col4 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
Same court coverage as MEN yesterday, mentioning waterworks clauses act 1847 works similarly to Railway clauses act 1845.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 30 November 1905, Page 10, col4 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
Coverage of yesterdays continuing
court case. Mr Higson, Managed Dukinfield company for 24 years said underground
subsidence
occurred about 2 years before it
appeared on the surface. It takes 8-9 years for surface subsidence to appear.
New Moss works
the Great and Roger mines under
the reservoir. Lord Stamford (land owner) would stand to loose £300,000
if coal mining ceased.
The Manchester Courier Friday 1 December 1905, Page 10, col5 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
Court case is now coming to an end on Thursday with New Moss looking for compensation if an injunction is granted.
The Manchester Courier Wednesday 6 December 1905, Page 10, col3 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
KC for Corporation Mr Jenkins yesterday makes a 7 hour closing speech in conclusion of the New Moss court action lasting nearly 8 days, judgement reserved.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 12 December 1905, Page 6, col4 THE RESERVOIRS SUBSIDENCE.
Judgement given today against the
Corporation of Manchester who the judge said had not compensated New Moss
Colliery co ltd.
The value of coal in the affected
area is £1 million. Mr Jenkins KC indicated the Corporation will
appeal.
The Manchester Evening News Wednesday 27 June 1906, Page 6, col4 MANCHESTER WATER.
Coverage of a Corporation water committee
report. Longdendale has been providing water since 1851 with Arnfield and
Hollingworth reservoirs made from existing Brooks. 2 more reservoirs could
be constructed at Audenshaw on land the Corporation owns mineral rights
and the other with partial ownership.
Manchester Water consumption in
1905 was about 35m gallons per day. The Longdendale works cannot be economically
expanded so Thirlmere will become
the dominant source with 3rd pipe ready in about 1910.
The Manchester Evening News Monday 30 July 1906, Page 4, col4 THE AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
Court of appeal hearing started by
Manchester Corporation against New Moss. Summary of original judgement
is that the
Corporations action failed due to
the Waterworks Clauses act. New counsel for the Corporation Sir Robert
Finlay KC says the
reservoir land was purchased from
Mr Taylor (note the boundary of reservoir no.1 and no.3 follows roughly
the northern extents
of Taylor lane at Red Hall on map
below).
The Manchester Courier Tuesday 31 July 1906, Page 10, col5 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
Coverage of yesterdays court case as above, counsel for the respondent Mr Upjohn KC yet to conclude his arguments.
The Manchester Courier Wednesday 1 August 1906, Page 9, col4 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
In yesterdays appeal court hearing, counsel for respondent cited a number of previous cases supporting the original judgement in favour of New Moss Colliery.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 2 August 1906, Page 7, col6
Judgement reserved in Manchester Corporation appeal hearing on Wednesday.
The Manchester Evening News Wednesday 8 August 1906, Page 1, col1 AUDENSHAW SUBSIDENCES.
Lord Justice Cozens Hardy announces verdict today in the Manchester Corporation appeal over New Moss colliery on behalf of the 3 justices. They are granted an injunction which prevents mineral mining under the reservoir however this does not prevent New Moss from making a counter claim.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 9 August 1906, Page 8, col5 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIR.
Article covers yesterdays appeal court verdict. Corporation waterworks sits on land bought from Mr Taylor and the Earl of Stamford in 1875. The Moss Colliery company leased mineral rights.
The Manchester Guardian Friday 10 August 1906, Page 4, col4 MANCHESTER WATER QUESTIONS. A LAWSUIT AND ITS EFFECTS.
Chair of the Manchester waterworks committee said yesterday that court victory will prevent interruption of water supply.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 11 December 1906, Page 3, col3 THE AUDENSHAW SUBSIDENCE.
Court of appeal today hears an application made by Corporation as parties cannot decide on schedules of effectively a consent order Court decides in favour of the Corporation, overriding New Moss colliery.
The Manchester Courier Thursday 20 June 1907, Page 9, col3 MANCHESTER WATER SUPPLY.
Manchester city and Salford council
members visit Thirlmere by train from Exchange station to Windermere on
Wednesday. Article
covers a brief history of water
supply, civil engineering at Thirlmere, increase in consumption and revenue
over the decades, etc.
Originally, the council took control
of the water supply from the Manchester and Salford waterworks company
in 1844 which
supplied 3 million gallons per day
by Gorton reservoir which filled from rainwater run-off, in addition to
Stockport canal, a well plus
the river Medlock at Holt town.
It was decided in 1876 to use Thirlmere to supplement supply after a combined
scheme with Liverpool using Ullswater and Haweswater fell through. In 1906,
daily consumption was 37 million gallons per day to the population of 1.2
million (see clipping).
The Manchester Courier Saturday 01 February 1908, Page 3, col6 MANCHESTER WATERWORKS.
New Moss colliery appealed to house of Lords Friday. Manchester corporation has mineral rights to land bought from Mr Taylor but not those bought from the Earl of Stamford and Warrington. Appellants argument is around section 18-27 of the 1847 Waterworks clauses act who gave notice under section 22 in April 1899 and July 1903. Coal reserves beneath the reservoir worth £1 million. Mining area of safety appears to be 40 yards allowing it to work upto that value near the boundary.
The Manchester Guardian Friday 07 February 1908, Page 12, col2 MINING AND LAND RIGHTS.
House of lords appeal by New Moss continued yesterday. Value of coal beneath the reservoir is questionable due to unworkable depth. Its maintained by the appellant that the area of Audenshaw is Moorland but in fact its is populated and worth £800 per ache. It appears New Moss coal workings neared the reservoir in April 1899.
The Manchester Courier Friday 07 February 1908, Page 7, col4 WATERWORKS AND COLLIERIES.
Same as Guardian of the this day.
The Manchester Evening News Friday 28 February 1908, Page 3, col5 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS.
New Moss colliery appeal dismissed
by Law Lords with costs. The Lord Chancellor disregards acts of parliament
which give
the colliery rights to the minerals.
.
The Manchester Evening News Saturday
29 February 1908, Page 5, col4
AUDENSHAW'S RESERVOIR.
Coverage of the injunction granted by Law lords in the house of Lords on Friday with damages against New Moss colliery. The corporation purchased two plots of land, one from Lord Stamford maintaining rights to minerals and the other from Mr Taylor gaining surface and underground rights. Lord Chancellor says New Moss has no right in causing subsidence despite limits in the act of parliament.
The Manchester Guardian Tuesday 28 April 1908, Page 3, col7 MANCHESTER WATERWORKS.
In the Waterworks committee accounts
for the year, water rates & and rentals revenue to March 31st was £79,000
& £279,000
respectively. Average water consumption
about 38m gallons per day. Plans for a new parliamentary bill to address
flooding in Longdendale. 3rd line of pipes from Thirlmere underway including
route from Little Houlton to Denton. Messrs James Byrom won the contract
to construct Heaton Park Reservoir on August 13th.
Stanton Ironworks company ltd to
supply cast iron pipes and ironwork. The corporation also supplied 237m
gallons of hydraulic
power in 1907-08 to run machinery.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 16 February 1909, Page 5, col2 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIR SUBSIDENCE.
London court inquiry in the New Moss collier
The Manchester Evening News Wednesday 17 February 1909, Page 4, col3 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIR SUBSIDENCE.
Resumed official referees court inquiry today, referee Mr Pollock hears that the Roger coal seam runs under the reservoir being 3ft thick.
The Manchester Courier Wednesday 17 February 1909, Page 10, col2 SUBSIDENCE UNDER RESERVOIR .
Same as Manchester evening news yesterday.
The Manchester Evening News Friday 19 February 1909, Page 4, col7 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIR SUBSIDENCE.
Manchester corporation suddenly decide to settle for £17,500 in court inquiry case. These are to be paid in a 1/3rd in instalments every 6 months with 2.5% penalty on default by New Moss colliery.
The Manchester Guardian Friday 25 February 1910, Page 14, col5 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIR AND THE COLLIERY.
Manchester Corporation agree to purchase coal rights to stop mining under reservoir no.1 Lord Stamford and New Moss get £35,000. Netted off against other debt, the Corporation owes £17,333 to end the litigation.
The Manchester Courier Friday 25 February 1910, Page 10, col4 AUDENSHAW RESERVOIRS .
Waterworks committee reports 5 year litigation ended against New Moss. Injunction did not prevent the coal miner working underneath part of no.1 reservoir. Legal costs were £6000.
The Manchester Guardian Saturday 26 February 1910, Page 4 THIRLMERE AQUEDUCT.
Classified advert by Manchester Corporation.
Tender for 3rd line of pipes - Contract C, southern section from 3/4 of
a mile NW from
Lostock junction railway station
on L&Y railway to Audenshaw reservoir. Nearly 23 miles of cast iron
and steel pipes of 44" and 40" diameter. Documents cost 5 guineses and
the tender submission deadline is 29th March.
The Manchester Guardian Friday 22 April 1910, Page 10, col1 MANCHESTER WATERWORKS
Coverage of yesterdays committee meeting. Average daily water consumption is 41m gallons, 18m on average from Thirlmere. Audenshaw reservoirs have to be kept low due to mining subsidence. Work continues on 3rd line of pipes from Thirlmere including 100 acres of forest trees this season on the watershed. Also work on Heaton park storage reservoir contract. Demand for Hydraulic power continues to increase.
The Manchester Courier Wednesday 12 April 1912, Page 11, col2 CITY WATER SUPPLY
Annual report of waterworks committee released on Tuesday. Longdendale and Thirlmere supply 22 and 18 out of the 40 million average water consumption of Manchester per day. The third line of pipes from Thirlmere has the following contracts of 40" & 44" pipes over 54 miles from South of Ambleside to SE of Carnforth by Messers Morrison & Mason Ltd. From SE of Carnforth to Horwich by Mr John Moffat. From near Lostock junction (L&Y Railways) to Audenshaw reservoirs by Messrs E. Nuttall & Co. Subway under Manchester ship canal Messrs Kinnear, Moodie & Co. Water rates remain at nine pence for domestic purposes.
The Manchester Guardian Wednesday 4 February 1914, Page 16, col4 MANCHESTER WATER.
Complaints from south of Manchester inc Chortlon & Stretford about the dirty water quality for several months. The secretary of the waterworks dept blames it on leaving Audenshaw reservoir at a very low level in Autumn combined with heavy rainfall in November carrying silt off the hillsides which discolours the water. In a few months time, the 3rd line of pipes from Thirlmere will be ready (which will improve matters).
The Manchester Guardian Tuesday 3 March 1914, Page 11, col6 MANCHESTER WATER.
Continual dissatisfaction over the
water supply in the south which is still brown in colour despite some time
passing. Water from Thirlmere does not suffer discolration. Its suggested
by Arthur Clarke that mechanical filters are needed, which the corporation
does
not use at any waterworks. Audenshaw
reservoir area, depths & capacities are No.1: 80 acres/528m gallons/27ft
6". No 2 69 acres/371m gallons/22ft 6". No.3 102 acres/542mn gallons//22ft
6.
The Manchester Evening News Wednesday 17 June 1914, Page 4, col4 THIRLMERE WATER.
Council members inspect Thirlmere. Started supply in 1894. 5 pipes supply 50m gallons to Manchester per day each 10m gallons currently 2 to Prestwich and 1 practically complete to Audenshaw, costing £4.7m to date.
The Manchester Guardian Monday 30 June 1919, Page 8, col2 ASHTON MINE DIFFICULTY
Owners of AUL New Moss Colliery meet Coal control board in London trying to get the millions of tons of coal in pit no.1 under Audenshaw reservoir worked. It is capable of a daily yield of 10,000 tons for 20 years.
The Manchester Guardian Monday 07 July 1919, Page 12, col2 MANCHESTER CORPORATION AND AUDENSHAW COLLIERY.
Manchester council is considering proposal by MD of New Moss Colliery, Mr H.S. Higginbottom to work coal under Audenshaw reservoir by using modern electrical 'stowing' to reduce subsidence. New Moss has reserves of 70 millions tons, 15m under the reservoir and this scheme will create 1000 jobs. Otherwise, 450 jobs will be lost.
Birmingham Gazette Wednesday 16 July 1919, Page 5, col3 MINE CLOSED DOWN..
On Tuesday, New Moss Colliery closed down pit no.1 as government won't
take responsibility for subsidence under Audenshaw
reservoir No adoption of electrical packing or stowing as yet
and double shifts at no.2 pit to be worked in order to re-deploy the men
& boys.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 23 September 1919, Page 5, col2 NEW MOSS COLLIERY.
7 day notice for 440 miners to cease work now today begin day to day contracts until the government intervenes in the reservoir working issue.
Huddersfield Daily Examiner Tuesday 23 September 1919, Page 4, col4 MANCHESTER RESERVOIRS.
400 miners at New Moss pit 2 told to stop working last night due to danger of subsidence under Audenshaw reservoirs.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 23 September 1919, Page 5, col2 NEW MOSS COLLIERY.
7 day notice for 440 miners to now cease work today begin day to day contracts until the government intervenes in the reservoir working issue.
The Evening Standard Tuesday 23 September 1919, Page 10, col2 RICH COAL SEAM ABANDONED.
400 miners at New Moss pit 2 given notice to stop working with 15 million tons of coal abandoned.
The Manchester Guardian Wednesday 27 September 1933, Page 11 BAN ON THIRLMERE CATERING
Mayor of Manchester Alderman Walker wants to ban Walkers round Thirlmere as they pollute the streams with rubbish. Also, bathing is banned in the lake.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 28 September 1933, Page 11 FUTURE OF HAWESWATER SCHEME
The paper thinks Manchester corporation will recommence the £10 million water supply project abandoned in 1931. It was devised in 1925 at an estimated cost o f5 million to take 1 line of pipes to Audenshaw supplying up to 20m gallons per day.
The Manchester Guardian Thursday 03 October 1945, Page 6 MANCHESTER MUST SAVE WATER
Manchester waterworks engineer Mr A Atkinson tells a press conference that stocks in Audenshaw reservoir are low with possible stoppages, not taken since 1911. It may be 7 years till 100 mile Haweswater aqueduct is finished. Current consumption is 75m gallons per day with 48m gallons from Thirlmere and 27m gallons from Longdendale. Residents are told to use 4 gallons per day rather than 5 till Christmas.
The Manchester Guardian Wednesday 29 October 1947, Page 3 MANCHESTER' WATER GAMBLE EXPLAINED.
Engineer Mr A Atkinson tells the Waterworks committee that the corporation being prevented from finishing the Haweswater aqueduct is the reason for water being in short supply. The Storage capacity of Audenshaw and Longdendale is 6 billion gallons. One inch of rainfall in this catchment equates to about 200m gallons of water and 19 inches of rain normally falls in a autumn & winter.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 08 June 1954, Page 1
First of four 47" pipes being laid through Heaton park to Audenshaw reservoir as part of the £16m Haweswater aqueduct scheme.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 15 February 1955, Page 3
Complaints from houses on Stamford Road Audenshaw as Manchester corporation waterworks play bird screams to scare away seagulls on the reservoirs.
The Manchester Guardian Wednesday 21 June 1955, Page 7-10 FROM HAWESWATER TO MANCHESTER: GLIMPSES OF THE PIPELINE
Commemorative and therefore historical
edition on Haweswater inauguration day, including 100 year of Manchester water and articles by waterworks engineer and deputy Alan
Atkinson and G. E. Taylor on the aqueduct. Includes advertisements
by suppliers and contractors such as Earth and general contracts ltd, Edmund
Nuttall, sons & co ltd, , Crossley, Harry Fairclough bridge contractor,
John Mowlem & co ltd pipes with Centriline process (centrifugal coating), Harry Wimpenny
& son ltd concrete bridges, Henry Ibbotson & son flow control building
contractor, Capco ltd cement & Concrete, Robt. L. Priestley ltd, Skinning
grove iron co ltd, Ribblesdale cement ltd, ICI, The Cementation co
ltd Doncaster.
Although the aqueducts work off gravity, siphons are used
to get water accross valleys. Tunnels have 8ft 6in diameter capable of 100m gallons per day.
Bridges were used to cross rivers after protest from CPRE. Automatic leak detecting
values fitted every 2-3 miles.
Manchester supplies 88m gallons per day and includes 30 water authorities to a population of about 1.27m.
Manchester Corporation Act 1954 says compensation water to the river Etherow is now 10m gallons per day.
City council authorised a 3rd line of pipes from Haweswater in January estimated cost of £4.5m. Extension of the 73 mile aqueduct
underway from Heaton park to Audenshaw making it 82 miles.
The Manchester Evening News Tuesday 20 September 1955, Page 7
Manchester corporation dump chemicals in Audenshaw reservoir to get rid of water fleas appearing in tap water in Gorton.
The Manchester Guardian Tuesday 17 September 1955, Page 14, col4 AUDENSHAW SIPHON ANSWER TO DRYEST SUMMER?
Inauguration of the Audenshaw siphon
which is the end of the last 9 mile 48" steel portion of Haweswater pipeline
from Heaton park into no.1 reservoir. Costing £900k and taking 3
years to build, it has 7 branches to supply North Manchester and has flexible
joints for mining areas of Audenshaw and Moston and essentially replaces
unreliable Longdendale. It crosses 2 rivers, 4 railway lines and beneath
2 canals.
Also coverage of experimental purification
plant at Denton to remove sludge and dark appearance of water which dogs
Longdendale supply.
The Manchester Guardian Saturday 02 September 1967, Page 3 ULLSWATER SCHEME WILL COST £2M more
Manchester corporation is essentially
water supplier to a number of neighbouring local authorities. The scheme
devised 3 years ago now costing £7.3 to draw 25 million gallons per
day from Ullswater has gone up by 15% due to engineering and plant price
increases and includes a 7ft diameter tunnel under Tarn moor. Approval
is needed for a £500k pipeline between Moston and Audenshaw reservoir.
Water treatment plant is needed
at Watchgate (presumably more peat/moorland derived water is being used).
The Manchester Evening News Friday 8 August 1980, Page 6
Plan for M66 Manchester outer ring road from Middleton via Daisy nook to M67 at Denton is to cross Audenshaw reservoir no.3. Changes in plans due to objections from residents in the Lumb Lane area of Audenshaw have caused a 2 year delay with public enquiry to be held in 1982.
Stockport Express Advertiser Thursday 13 April 1989, Page 8
Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Bennett applauded at 1985 NWWA plan to lay 20 mile pipeline from Fernilee reservoir (peak district) to Audenshaw reservoir via Goyt valley due to loss of capacity caused by motorway construction. DOT will provide £8m funding and will be at least 3ft underground.
The Advertiser Eccles/Salford Thursday 06 October 1994, Page 25 Happy Birthday Thirlmere!
100 years of Thirlmere reservoir
and 96 mile aqueduct. City daily water demand in 1836 was 1.25m gallons
rising to 17m in 1878.
The scheme was proposes by John
Frederic Bateman in 1874 and cost £4m for upto 50m gallons per day
from the 100" rainfall catchment of the 950 meter high Helvellyn. The corporation
were accused in 1877 of using it as a money making scheme to sell water
to neighbouring towns.
Currently North West water take
about 29m gallons per day for the Manchester area including Salford supplied
from Heaton park service reservoir and also supplying Audenshaw reservoirs.
The Manchester Evening News Saturday 08 October 1994, Page 32 To Thirlmere, with thanks for the water
Water from Thirlmere was inaugurated
with a fountain in Albert Square, Manchester on 13th October 1894 which
has travelled
from the lake district at 2 miles
per hour. The aqueduct was mainly completed in 1894 and the reservoir is
formed of 2 smaller lakes.
Costs were £3-4m and the original
aqueduct terminated at Prestwich but extended to Audenshaw reservoir and
links with Haweswater
aqueduct and Longdendale reservoirs
in a ring main around Manchester. The article trails a walking
route documented in the book The
Thirlmere way by Tim Cappelli following the pipeline. The corporation planted a 1,900 acre coniferous forest including Christmas trees round Thirlmere to prevent soil erosion.
The Bolton News Tuesday 20 October 2009 Crucial work on aqueduct under the Reebok
Thirlmere aqueduct runs 10ft under Middlebrook Retail Park, Reebok Stadium & academy training pitches to Lostock treatment works, built in 1894.
Last updated 20-March-2024
