Construction of the neo-Gothic solid masonry dam began in 1902, a year after the building of Howden dam commenced. Over 1,000 workers lived in a specially constructed self-contained town called Birchinlee or "Tin Town".

During the Second World War, the reservoir was used by pilots of 617 Squadron for practising the low-level flights needed for Operation Chastise (commonly known as the "Dam Busters" raids), due to its similarity to the German dams. Today there is a commemorative plaque to 617 Squadron on the dam, and one of the towers on the dam housed the Derwent Valley Museum (now sadly closed).

A stone memorial to Tip, a sheepdog, stands on the bank of the reservoir. Tip remained with the body of local shepherd, Joseph Tagg, for 105 days after he died on Howden Moor in the winter of 1953-54. Tip was awarded the Bronze Medal of the Canine Defence League

Ref: C&D010

Location: Derwent Reservoir, Peak District, Derbyshire.

Photographer: Andrew Fairclough LNPS, ANPS, QGPP