Popular visitor attraction celebrates 40th anniversary

Rutland Water reservoir Credit: ITV News Anglia

A popular visitor attraction is celebrating it's 40th anniversary.

The Rutland Water reservoir was officially opened in 1976 after two villages were controversially flooded to create it.

When the dam was built it submerged the villages of Middle and Nether Hambleton at the eastern end of the Gwash valley near Stamford.

Today the reservoir is a visitor attraction - as well as storing millions of litres of water for the region.

Normanton Church
The church as it stands today. Credit: Anglian Water

At the heart of the reservoir is Normanton Church. Back in the 1970's campaigners fought for the church to be saved.

Now with its reinforced foundations and a raised floor inside, it has become a popular wedding venue.

Here's some interesting facts for you.. did you know that:

  • Anglian Water remove 220 million litres a day from the reservoir to serve a million homes. That's equivalent of 100 Olympic size swimming pools!

  • There are approx 27 miles of track around the perimeter

  • 3,400 acres of surface water at the reservoir.