During the early 1970's it became obvious that a new reservoir was needed to provide drinking water for the expanding population of South East Britain. Surveyors and government finally decided that best location would be the Gwash valley in the County of Rutland. Unfortunately this meant that a substantial part of the parish of Empingham would be submerged underwater. Both the villages of Middle Hambleton and Nether Hambleton were cleared. As the valley was flooded it became obvious that the high-water level would partially submerge St Matthews Church, a private chapel that had once been part of the Normanton Estate. |
The church had narrowly avoided being demolished as part of the valley clearance but now faced the prospect of destruction again as the rising waters would slowly erode its foundations and lower walls. A trust was quickly formed to save it for the future. Various proposals were evaluated but in the end it was decided to fill the lower level with a mixture of concrete and stone to secure its base. This would reach as high as the window ledges and be approximately 60 cm above the high-water mark. As the church would become a mini-island a causeway was constructed from a nearby slope. This was then extended to become a bank of clay that completely surrounded the building. Once in place a defensive layer of boulders were positioned to support the earthworks and create a breakwater.
Normanton Church Portico and Tower
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The project was successful and has created an unusual landmark that has become a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the more curious aspects of the British countryside. When the reservoir is full St. Matthews appears to float serenely on the surface of the lake and when the water is lower it confuses the eye as it becomes clear that half of the church appears to have sunk into the ground. Exactly when the first Christian church was built on the site is uncertain although it was probably around 1250 AD. Over the generations it served as a parish church until the early 1700's when much of the village was demolished to create an estate for the wealthy Heathcote Baronets. The now isolated church was retained and became both a family chapel and mausoleum. It was renovated in 1764 with the replacement of the nave and the chancel. A 14th century tower remained in place until it was replaced in 1826 with a new one in the Corinthian style designed by well respected architects Thomas Cundy and son.
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The tower is a replica of those at St. John's concert hall, Smith Square, London. A portico in the Ionic order was also added at this time to create a dramatic alcove. This significantly improved the quality and magnificence of the church. Certain sources claim that the Nave and Apse were later rebuilt in 1911 by J. B. Gridley of London. In 1920 the Heathcote family relocated to their properties in the north of England and the Palladian mansion was demolished. The estate was divided leaving St. Matthews as a lonely and largely forgotten mausoleum. It remained as such until the need to flood the valley prompted local volunteers to relocate the burial remains and reinforce the structure against the rising waters. According to various sources only the tower and the clerestory can now be seen. Today it's a curious feature of the Rutland landscape and used by Anglian Water as a museum about the reservoir that surrounds it. Dinosaur fossils and the skeleton of an Anglo Saxon man are also on display.
The eastern side of Normanton Church
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Normanton Church and the River Belle
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Rutland Water is Britain's largest man-made lake, based on surface area, and was originally called Empingham Reservoir. Various rivers including the Gwash were diverted to provide the inflow. Several small marinas as well as parks and restaurants have been constructed around its edges and it is now a very popular recreation centre particularly during the summer months. It has been designated as an Area of Special Protection as it is the location where rare Gadwall and Shoveler ducks spend the winter.
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