The ongoing drought in England has exposed the remnants of Nether Hambleton, a village that was submerged in the 1970s to create the Rutland Water reservoir. Extended dry weather conditions have caused water levels to drop significantly, revealing stone structures and foundations that were once homes and farms.
Rutland Water, one of western Europe's largest man-made bodies of water, covers more than four square miles. The creation of the reservoir necessitated the demolition of Nether Hambleton and its surrounding properties, submerging over 3,000 acres of land. At its deepest point, the reservoir reaches 34 meters (112 feet).
Recent weather patterns have contributed to the unearthing of the lost village. Rainfall in the East Midlands has been below average for the past five consecutive months, with the spring and summer period being the driest since 1995. July recorded the lowest rainfall on record for the region.
The Environment Agency has designated several areas, including the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, East Sussex, and Solent and South Downs, as being in drought status. The exposed stonework offers a glimpse into the village's past, with visible foundations and building remnants now visible on the reservoir bed.
The receding waters have also uncovered other items, such as the rudder of a boat. 