Rutland Water provides a scenic setting for the fairytale splendour of Normanton Church, a structure that appears to float on the lake when the resevoir is full.
The church was saved by public outcry in 1970. The valley had to be cleared for a new resevoir & the chursh was deconsecrated & set for demoloition, but the general public had other ideas! When it came time to flood the area, it became obvious that the church would be partly submerged once the high water level was reached. This would have meant the gradual erosion of its foundations and lower walls.
Finally it was decided that the lower level of the church would be filled with rubble and concrete to form a new floor. This would be approximately 60 cm above the water level. Because the church would have become a small island once flooded, a causeway was built to reach it.
Today it is used for civil ceremonies for weddings, and there is a small museum.
As a child I can remember seeing the work going on, and I can remember them flooding the valley. I certainly stands in a stunning setting!
Thank you so much for yesterday’s pp & tp!
