Rhayader
The Elan Valley dams
  Building a new 'Lake District' in Wales  
 

Craig goch dam under constructionThe amazing system of huge dams and lakes in the Elan Valley of mid-Wales was built between 1893 and 1904.

The project was carried out by Birmingham City Council to provide a source of clean, safe water for the growing population of the city and it's manufacturing industries.

The dambuilding scheme provided jobs for thousands of construction workers, and changed the local landscape for ever.

 
Clickable map of the dams
 
 
Why the dams were built
 
 
and why the Elan Valley was chosen
 
 
Lost beneath the water
 
 
The end of two famous mansions
 
 
The Victorian dam builders
 
 
A village for the workers
 
 
and a hospital for the casualties !
 
 
The Elan Valley Railway
 
 
Caban-coch Dam
 
 
The hidden dam of Garreg-ddu
 
 
Controlling the flow to Birmingham
 
 
The 'middle dam' of Pen-y-garreg
 
 
Craig Goch - the top dam
 
 
The dam they didn't finish
 
 
The secret waterway below ground
 
     
 

 

 

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