Lecture: The Building of Burrator Reservoir by Paul Rendell

Paul Rendell will be speaking about the history of the building of Burrator Reservoir, which opened in September 1898. The building of the reservoir had a direct impact on the people and the farms of Sheepstor, a Dartmoor village which grew and declined during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Burrator Reservoir was built as water supply for the people of Plymouth.

Known as ‘Dartmoor Paul’, Rendell was born in Plymouth and developed a lifelong passion for Dartmoor from childhood visits with his parents. After working as a chef, and as Head Gardener at Devonport Dockyard, he became a full-time professional guide, founded the bi-monthly Dartmoor News magazine in 1991, and has served as a Dartmoor National Park Guide for over 21 years. He has written four books about the region, with a fifth on Dartmoor’s myths and legends in progress, and his photography appears on cards, calendars, and in magazines.

This event is part of the Devon Rural Archive‘s 2026 lecture series. Please follow the signs to the Cafe and Archive upon arrival.