The Resurfacing Of Derwent Valley

In 1943, two historic villages in the Peak District were flooded to create a reservoir.

In 2018, a hot, dry summer revealed the remains of the lost villages.

Some of the village’s structures, such as the 'village pump house,' was somewhat surpassingly perfectly intact.

In the heart of England's Peak District National Park once stood the quaint village of Derwent, pictured below.

In the midst of World War II, however, the government made a monumental decision to create the Ladybower Reservoir, a strategic water source to aid in the war effort and provide water to the surrounding cities.

The construction of the reservoir necessitated the flooding of the valley, including the village of Derwent.

The villagers were relocated, and the once-thriving community was intentionally submerged beneath the rising waters in 1944.

All buildings in the village were demolished by autumn 1943, and the impounded waters of the reservoir began to rise by the end of 1944.

A 17th-century packhorse bridge in the village, however, had a preservation order which prevented it from being demolished.

In order to comply with this, the bridge was transported from the original location near Derwent Hall and reconstructed at the head of Howden Reservoir at Slippery Stones.

It is now part of the footpaths and cycle tracks that run along the reservoirs.

The bridge is a scheduled monument, and it is one of the very few structures from Derwent village to have completely survived the reservoir's construction and still be visible.

Bodies from the graveyard at Derwent had been exhumed in 1940 and were reburied in the nearby village of Bamford.

The church spire was left intact to form a memorial to Derwent - and at some points during the last 80 years or so, the spire was visible.

However, it was dynamited on 15 December 1947, on the rationale of safety concerns.

The history and memories of Derwent were consigned to the depths of the reservoir, leaving behind remnants of a forgotten past.

Decades passed, and the submerged village remained hidden, its existence known only through historical records, old photographs, and the fading memories of those who once called it home.

However, in 2018, a particularly dry summer in England caused water levels in the reservoir to drop significantly.

As the waters receded, the remnants of Derwent began to resurface, slowly unveiling a ghostly reminder of a bygone era.

The eerie sight of the village's remains rekindled interest and curiosity among historians, locals, and tourists alike.

The ruins of Derwent, including the remains of buildings, roads, and even the village's church tower, emerged from the depths, creating a haunting yet captivating spectacle.

Among the rubble, an imposing stone fireplace with its rounded columns was one of many structures still largely intact.

The reappearance of Derwent Valley stirred a mix of emotions and reactions.

For some, it was a poignant reminder of the village's history and the lives that were disrupted.

Many saw it as an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage, to revisit the past through tangible remnants that had long been hidden beneath the waters.

Hundreds of people flocked to witness this surreal phenomenon firsthand, creating a newfound interest in the story of Derwent.

With the village briefly exposed to the elements once again, efforts were initiated to document and preserve the remains of Derwent Valley.

Archaeologists, historians, and conservationists worked together to capture the history embedded in the ruins before the waters inevitably rose again.

Preservation initiatives, including photography, documentation, and storytelling, aimed to keep the memory of Derwent alive for future generations.

The re-submergence of the village underscored the importance of safeguarding and commemorating our cultural heritage, even when hidden from view.

As the waters of Ladybower Reservoir once again enveloped the remnants of Derwent, the village returned to its watery resting place, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate imaginations.

Reacting to the news on social media, one person said: “It was a really beautiful valley with a lovely village under there.

”I'm on a local group (live nearby) who share photos of the area before and during the dam building/flooding. I was always told too as a child you could hear the bell ringing!”

Another person added: “When I lived in the area as a nipper there was the story that at certain times you could hear the bell ringing from the church.

”I never heard it but it must have been a ghost bell as they were removed apparently.“

Will Derwent village stay hidden for another decade or more? Or with climate change, will its resurrection become a regular occurrence?

Today, Derwent Valley is known for its majestic reservoirs, spectacular scenery, peaceful forests and wild open spaces.

The area is home to three large dams, known as the Derwent Dams, which offer some of the area's most spectacular scenery.

The dams are called Ladybower, Derwent and Howden, which form Ladybower Reservoir, Derwent Reservoir and Howden Reservoir respectively.

Surrounded by magnificent countryside and rugged edges, the Upper Derwent Valley boasts some of the area's most popular walks and cycle routes.

Charming villages in the area include Bamford, Hathersage - known for its plethora of outdoor shops and unique outdoor swimming pool - Grindleford and Calver.

In the latter, you'll find great independent shops, cosy pubs and great places to eat, so you can rest and refuel after a busy day exploring.

In World War II, the topographical similarity between the Upper Derwent Valley and the Ruhr Valley of Germany led to the dams being used for practice runs for the Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron.

It was used before their attack on the Ruhr dams.

The world-famous Dam Busters film was subsequently filmed here, and the area has seen various commemorative flypasts by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

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