36o PROCEEDINGS COTTESWOLD CLUB 1912 



These reservoirs met the wants of the city for nearly 

 100 years, though evidently the need for still further supply 

 had been felt for some time. An Act of Parhament, 

 passed 6 William IV., states that the City of Gloucester had 

 for many years past been partly supplied with water by means 

 of certain works constructed under the powers contained in 

 the Act of 14 Geo. II., 



" and that the works were out of repair, were inadequate for the wants 

 of the city, and required a large sum of money spent on them." 



It was also considered desirable to extend the supply of water 

 to the suburbs, to maintain the existing, and construct ad- 

 ditional, waterworks, the view being expressed that these 

 purposes would be more effectually accomplished by the 

 establishment of a Company, with adequate powers. By this 

 Act was formed the Gloucester Water Company, which pur- 

 chased and took over the works then existing, and constructed 

 the present reservoirs on Robinswood Hill. In 1837 the Com- 

 pany were prepared to contract for the supply of water, for in 

 the Gloucester Journal of October 7, 1837, they advertised 

 " Notice is hereby given, that the works of this Company, 

 for the supply of the City of Gloucester and the suburbs, are 

 nearly completed," and the rates to be charged are given. 

 These rates were rather less in the case of houses of lower 

 rental and slightly higher for those of greater value than those 

 existing to-day. The Company were prepared to make all- 

 lowance, in calculating rates, for shops in the principal streets 

 which derived enhanced value by reason of their position. 



By the following year it is evident that the Company had 

 completed the works required, for in the report of a fire which 

 occurred in Northgate Street, the Gloucester Journal of July 

 21, 1838, observes that " few towns in the kingdom have such 

 a facility of obtaining water as this city has at present, owing 

 to the spirited and useful undertaking of the Gloucester Water 

 Company." 



