Normanton Church

The parish of Normanton was mostly flooded for the construction of the man-made reservoir Rutland Water. St Matthew's Church was due for demolition as part of the project, and was deconsecrated in 1970. After public protest the church was reprieved and is now a museum documenting the building of Rutland Water, at the time of completion in 1976 the largest artificial lake in Europe. Only the upper floor and windows are now visible above the water level. Other villages such as Nether Hambleton and most of Middle Hambleton were evacuated and flooded.

Photo taken on a cold, wet and dirty bike ride around the water. No PP required, luckily the sun finally came out at the end of the ride.