Walthamstow racecourse (not greyhound track)

[gazza]

Hi ,I was looking at some old maps of Walthamstow and something caught my attention/curiosity.
I noticed the name of an old reservoir(now filterbeds) was once called the "racecourse reservoir".
This implies there was a racecourse nearby in days of yore. I've never heard of one. I assume horses given the age. (Should add nothing to do with greyhounds or walthamstow stadium as it is before its time, and miles away ,which is all google spews up).
If any local historians can share any knowledge about it I would like to know. Thanks

[t mo]

can you give us the era your loooking at please .
trevor

[gazza]

Hi, looking on google it says The "racecourse reservoir" was converted into filter beds in 1968. I do not know how long it was known as that prior to that date. I wonder if it got its name if  the original reservoir was built on a former racecourse or one very adjacent?
I imagine the reservoirs must have been built during the 1800's, but not sure when exactly presently.

[t mo]

sorry i meant what era or how old were the maps you were looking at.
regards
trevor

[gazza]

Hi Trevor, sorry,my fault. Should have made myself clearer. It was a bit of a convoluted route by way of maps that I found the reference in some text. I didnt actually see it named so on a map per se.
I've tried looking on old-maps wbsite but the site does not seem to be working well for me.

http://www.newhamstory.com/node/2423

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=42780

[t mo]

try this site www.london1878.com/stanford23.html  see if this helps at all , or do a google search for east london waterworks .
regards
trevor

[gazza]

Thanks Trevor. I can see from the 1878 map that it was a reservoir at that time period.

[t mo]

i did think earlier i wonder if it is a bit of a misnomer and could be mill race course and over the years has been shortened especially as a river runs close by ?!
regards
trevor

[Colin Cruddace]

i did think earlier i wonder if it is a bit of a misnomer and could be mill race course and over the years has been shortened especially as a river runs close by ?!
regards
trevor

That's what I thought as well 

Water diverted from a nearby stream or river to power a water wheel for operating various factories. Usually known as a mill race, but sometimes as a water course (perhaps if it didn't power a mill  )

Colin