GWR Route: North Warwickshire Line

Bordesley Shed: gwrbg-shed1951

View of the large water tank with a capacity of 22,450 gallons provided at Bordesley engine shed by the GWR. The 22,450 gallons were accommodated by a 26 feet 6 inches diameter tank. The tank wall being constructed from twenty cast iron plates, each one being seven foot long and riveted to its neighbours. The circular water tank was supported on two concentric brick walls. These walls were pieced at two levels with arches, which gave a pleasing appearance. Access to the water inlet and float mechanism at the upper level was by ladder to a high level platform. Adjacent to the water tank were two associated buildings; the pump house and boiler house. This water tank was dismantled in 1909, after the new engine shed at Tyseley had rendered the Bordesley shed redundant and the space was subsequently used in connection with the quadrupling of the main line following construction of the North Warwickshire line. Prior to dismantlement of the tank it was discovered that one of the cast iron plates was impressed with the words ‘Reading Water Works Company, 1844. Barret Exhall and Andrews, Reading.’

Robert Ferris

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