Description:

This article by Mary Delorme, courtesy of History Today magazine, was published in 1989 and describes the origins and nature of a pioneering irrigation system constructed by Rowland Vaughan in the Golden Valley in the early 17^th century. His system of trenches, sluices and dykes stretched some miles along the Dore valley and transformed the agricultural productivity and profitability of his estate at Newcourt, near Turnastone. The article also explores Vaughan’s ambitions to create a social and economic ‘commonwealth’ or self-sustaining community of workers and tradespeople in the Golden Valley centred on his waterworks and sharing in their economic benefits.

Observations:

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