Lost village revealed as drought lowers Rutland Water reservoir levels

As drought conditions persist across parts of England, the dramatically lowered water levels at Rutland Water reservoir have exposed the stone foundations of Nether Hambleton, a village that was deliberately demolished and submerged in the 1970s. This hidden settlement, along with nearby hamlets like Middle Hambleton, was cleared as residents were relocated to make way for one of western Europe’s largest man-made reservoirs.

The reservoir was created by damming the Gwash valley near Empingham, with construction completed in 1976. The subsequent flooding took about three years to fully cover the area, resulting in over 3,000 acres of land being submerged. This transformation destroyed farms, cottages, and other buildings across more than four square miles, permanently altering the landscape of the East Midlands.

Currently, the reservoir, which can reach depths of up to 34 meters (112 feet) when full, has seen water levels drop considerably due to prolonged dry weather. The Environment Agency has reported lower-than-average rainfall in the East Midlands for five consecutive months, marking the driest spring and summer period since 1995. July was the driest month on record, leading the East Midlands, as well as other regions including Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, East Sussex, and parts of southern England, to be officially designated as drought areas.

In response to the worsening drought, the Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat, forecasting temperatures up to 38°C (100°F) in some English regions. Tony Grayling, the strategic drought lead at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, emphasized the serious and ongoing impacts of the dry conditions: “Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.” He further highlighted the importance of water conservation, stating, “Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers,” urging the public to reduce water use during this challenging summer

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