Description and History of Site:-
Former reservoir built at South Norwood 1809 or earlier for the Croydon Canal. Disused as such after closure of the canal in 1836. The water supply was tapped from small springs and streams and entered via a culvert at the west corner. A conduit at the east corner connected to the canal. The water depth is said to be 23 feet. Earth dams (with concrete facing) form the eastern and southern banks. The reservoir originally extended further to the west than it does now, and had a less regular western boundary. There was until 1874 access via Reservoir Lane or Reservoir Road. This thoroughfare formed part of what was later called The Avenue and (in 2003) Woodvale Avenue. A new residential development nearby is in Lakeside Close.

The 'canal feeder' (but not the reservoir) is shown on an 1827 plan of Lord Auckland's leasehold estate at Norwood.

Purchased in 1931 by Croydon Corporation for recreational purposes. The current extent of the water is seven acres.

Further Reading and References:-
Ashdown, John; Bussell, Michael; Carter, Paul. 'A Survey of Industrial Monuments of Greater London'. Thames Basin Archaeological Observers' Group, 1969

https://www.croydon.gov.uk/node/3173/south-norwood-lake-and-grounds

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Key Words :- reservoir

Viewing the Site :- public park

Address :- South Norwood Lake, Woodvale Avenue, London, Greater London, SE25
Grid Ref :- TQ 340 693
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.406903 , Long -0.074806
Local Authority :- Croydon London Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Surrey
Site Status :- Site extant - No Protection
Site Condition :- Site conserved and open to the public
Site Dates :- c1809 -
Contributor :- GLIAS Database - 2 June 2018

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