History of GWC
where it all began
We have a lot of archives about Grafham but we've condensed it to give you the history you need!
156- 165 million years ago
It was characterized by a warm, wet climate that gave rise to lush vegetation and abundant life. Many new dinosaurs emerged in great numbers
Map of oxford clay formation - showing how rare and scarce it is in the UK
2-3 million years ago
Formation of Oxford Clay
Jurassic Period
Oxford Clay Foundations of Grafham - Oxford clay gives perfect conditions for fossils to be preserved
Alluvium Clay
Was made 2-3 million years ago found by running water
Diamicton
Mixture of mud and sand created by glaciers
Buckden
The village next to Grafham along the A1 has a lot of history and is mentioned in the original Doomsday Book 1086 as Bugedene and was known for trade.
Buckden is home to the historic landmark - Buckden Towers
1530-1534 The Tudors
History of the area surrounding Grafham Water Centre dates all the way back to 1530 where King Henry VIII made us very well known
Henry VIII married Katherine of Aragon and divorced her and confined her to Buckden towers. She stayed in Buckden towers before moving to Kimbolton castle 5 miles North from Buckden Towers.
She was later sadly died from poor health at Kimbolton Castle
1805-1950 reservoir
The reservoir wasn't always here and construction did not begin until 1960.
From this map from 1805-1835 you can see the different villages that were here originally.
The more recent coloured map is from 1950 before the reservoir was built.
Redhill, Lymage, Glebe, Valley and Rectory farms were all knocked down during the creation of the reservoir. These can be seen on both of these early maps. (photos of old farms to be added)
These are now the names of our lounge spaces - Find your lounge on the map!
1960- 1965 building
The reservoir begun construction in 1960 and was completed in 1965 after many delays due to the lack of skilled workers.
The reservoir supplies drinking water to Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and parts of Cambridgeshire.
It is 21 Metres deep and 16km wide which makes it the 8th largest in the UK. Water is pumped in from the Great River Oose through piping system that runs underneath the dam wall.
Anglian Water Archive Video2011 - shimp invasion
Only and first site in England to be invaded by the killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus)
Don't worry, it lives in a wide range of habitats and will prey on many other animals (but not humans)
You can see these during the summer months during your visits to Grafham but they're completely harmless!
1970-2024
Grafham Water Residential Centre opens as part of local council!
We have changed a lot over the years with new experiences, expanding our site and opportunities for all!
We have been providing outdoor education to schools and running courses for the past 54 years!
Find our testimonials here