The village of Derwent is reappearing as Ladybower Reservoir water levels fell below 32% this week. Submerged over 80 years ago, the ruins emerged after months of dry weather. While many people visited to see the remains, water managers said the low levels are a warning about our water supplies.
A village submerged more than 80 years ago is beginning to re-emerge as a prolonged dry spell sends water levels plunging. The remains of Derwent, once home to a close-knit community in the Upper Derwent Valley, are becoming visible beneath the retreating waters of Ladybower Reservoir.
According to FloodRadar data, the reservoir was less than 32% full this week after months of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures. The East Midlands was officially placed into drought status in August, and the continuing shortage has left reservoirs across the region well below their usual levels for the time of year. But while the exposed ruins have attracted attention, water managers see the low levels as a warning about the pressures facing supplies.
It was officially opened by King George VI in September 1945. For residents, the project meant the loss of homes, farms, roads, churches and an established way of life. Derwent's final church service took place in March 1943. Graves from the churchyard were exhumed and moved to Bamford, while buildings were demolished before the rising reservoir waters covered the valley. The village church spire was deliberately left standing as a memorial. It briefly became visible above the water when levels fell in 1947, but was dynamited later that year because of safety concerns.