After the construction of Heaton Reservoir in 1847,
the level of the Middle Brook was greatly reduced through the loss
of drainage water from the northern slopes.
A plentiful supply of water in the Middle Brook was essential to
the spinning mills lining its banks on its course to join the River
Croal at Bolton. To offset the loss, the Bolton Waterworks Committee
decided to construct a compensatory reservoir at Rumworth.
The low lying land between Hunder Hill and the deep gorge through
which the Noteshaye (Knutshaw) Brook flowed on its way to join the
Middle Brook at Lostock Junction, was ideal for the purpose.
Following a meeting of the Waterworks Committee on the 4th February,
1848 the tender for the " embankment and formation of a reservoir
in the Township of Rumworth" was submitted. Mr. Luke Fowler
who was the agent for the Guardians of the Poor of Great and Little
Bolton proposed employing able-bodied paupers in the undertaking,
to the undoubted satisfaction of the rate-payers.
Water could now be contained and allowed to flow into the Middle
Brook as occassion demanded.
The overflow (waterfall) from the Reservoir still follows the line
of the "Noteshaye" into the Middle Brook, running alongside
the west of the road over the railway.
The amenity value of such a large tract of water in rather attractive
surroundings was soon realised and was quickly stock with fish.
Like today, fishing rights were strictly controlled which led to
questions as to who had the right to fish. Fishing records were
soon being established as well as pleasurable activities:
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Bolton Chronicle reported in September 1882:
"Rumworth Boating Club"
A most interesting spectacle and great novelty was presented at
Rumworth Reservoir on Saturday 9th Sept, 1882 on the occassion of
the first open meeting and regatta under the suspices of the Rumworth
Boating Club.
The reservoir is of irregular shape in some parts it is excedingly
lake-like while in other portions it has more the appearance of
a wide river. Two or three inlets containing trees and shrubs near
the middle impart gives an additional picturesque atmosphere to
the reservoir.
From its banks there is a splendid view of the surrounding landscape,
extending over many miles and including hills and dales, cultivated
fields and pasture lands, elegant villar residences and mansions,
farmhouses, mills and collieries. Seats were placed in different
places in the field surrounding the boat house for the accommodation
of the visitors and a large Union Jack floated from a flagstaff
in front of the boat-house. Through the afternoon and the earlier
hours of the evening, brilliant sunshine revailed. The atmosphere
being tempered by the light and pleasant breezes.
The Regatta programme was of the most varied character. Comprising
single scull, pair scull, canoe, sculling boat and swimming. Mr.
E. Helsby's Brass Band from Bolton was stationed in the field and
performed at intervals a pleasing selection of operatic and dance
music and their playing was most enjoyed".
Rumworth Lodge still remails an attractive feature of the district,
surrounded and protected on all sides by farmland. It has become
of considerable importance as a natural history preserve and attracts
innumberable species of birds, both migrant and summer and winter
residents.
Birds which are seen on the lodge:
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Mallard Duck |
Grey Heron |
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Kingfisher |
Swan |
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