A right royal start for a ‘visionary’ project

Ladybower-Reservoir

Seventy years ago this month, Europe’s biggest reservoir was opened
by the King and Queen in the heart of Derbyshire… and in front
of 55,000 people. Judith Parker Dixon reports.

THE FORMAL OPENING of Ladybower Reservoir was performed by King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth on September 25, 1945. Their majesties travelled to Sheffield by Royal Train, then onwards to the reservoir by car. Around 55,000 people turned out to greet the King and Queen at the dam – an unforgettable event in Peak District history…