Description and History of Site:-
During the early hours of 5 February 1852 the embankment of the Bilberry Reservoir collapsed and let 86 million gallons of water loose. Locally referred to as 'The Great Flood', it claimed 81 lives and destroyed over 50 buildings, including four mills. This tragedy is regarded as the greatest disaster of the Holme Valley.
Indications of the flood levels recorded (on plaques) in the town, one such on the 'Amiens Column' in Towngate.
Further Reading and References:-Thompson, W J (ed). A brief guide to the industrial heritage of West Yorkshire. Association for Industrial Archaeology, 1989.
http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2013/feb/11/flood-holmfirth-bilberry-reservoir-holme
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Key Words :- reservoir dam burst flood marker
Viewing the Site :- On public street
Address :- Towngate, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 1HA
Grid Ref :- SE 14275 08236
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.570539 , Long -1.785917
Local Authority :- Kirklees Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1134759,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Record Date :- 5 May 2015
Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Nick Nelson
Grid Ref :- SE 14275 08236
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.570539 , Long -1.785917
Local Authority :- Kirklees Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1134759,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Record Date :- 5 May 2015
Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Nick Nelson