Octagonal iron water tank below Barker Road [????- ]

Submitted by David on Sat, 10/07/2017 - 13:40
Current condition
In use

Klaus found this tank is located a short distance noth-east of number the house "Trollstua" at 8, Barker Road.

It is marked on government maps as a Fresh Water Service Reservoir.

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Photos that show this Place

The Peak 1949
1949
Cast Iron Water Tank below Barker Road (rear view)
2017
Cast Iron Water Tank below Barker Road
2017
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Comments

In the below picture another cast iron tank can be seen directly below the line of the peak tram (you will need to zoom in to see it). From the position the picture was taken the tank cannot be the same one that is shown here as I estimate its location to be near Severn Villa, however it is possible that this tank was moved to the Trollstua location later

Looking West toward the Upper Tram Terminus
Looking West toward the Upper Tram Terminus, by Library of Congress

I visited the Barker Road iron water tank yesterday, 12th January 2024.

The good news is that it is still there and clearly in use. WSD have installed 2 solar panels just below the tank. There was a distinct humming noise coming from the tank near the access steps to the roof. The old concrete access steps down from Barker Road still allow you to walk down to the tank.

The exciting news is that this tank in also a pre-1855 one. I noticed the BO symbol immediately below the incoming pipe shown in the picture above. The arrow head mark has a more conventional appearance compared to the one at HKU. If you zoom in you can just about make out the 'B'. I took photographs but do not know how to load them.

We now have a similar mystery to the HKU tank. When was this tank installed in its present location? And where did it come from? The difference is of course that the Barker Road tank is still in use.

Incidentally, the WSD sign referring to the 'Barker Road Fresh Water Service Reservoir' at the top of the steps down to the tank, refers to the reservoir just above and to the west of the tank. Access to the reservoir is either from No. 8 Barker Road garden, or a separate restricted modern looking concrete steps down from Barker Road.

Ian

 

 

 

 

 

Rear view of the Barker Road water tank. Shows the steps leading up to Barker Road.

Cast Iron Water Tank below Barker Road (rear view)
Cast Iron Water Tank below Barker Road (rear view), by Klaus

 

It looks as if the roof is made of concrete which already started to crumble. Possibly replaced an older one made from iron.

Further to my visit on the 12th January 2024, I confirm that the tank has a new felt roof. It slopes gently up to the centre where there is a vent. The roof also now has green perimeter tubular railing.

The "BO" mark is on the front (opposite) side of the tank immediately below the incoming water main.

The view above the tank in the photograph is interesting. On the left is the old concrete steps down from Barker Road. On the right is the fresh water service reservoir.

Ian