The Worsbrough Reservoir was built to supply water to the Dearne and Dove Canal which opened fully in 1804. In 1826 the reservoir was deepened and expanded because of running problems with a lack of water in the canal. The canal carried coal from the many nearby collieries. By the late 19th century there was increasing completion from railways and, this coupled with major subsidence problems, caused the Worsbrough branch to close in 1906. (Glister 1995, 118-120). The reservoir has partially silted up since 1938. There is no legibility of the fields beneath the reservoir. Based on the surrounding area this was probably regular enclosure of moorland common.