Lost village re-emerges as Haweswater Reservoir levels fall
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 07:13 · Archive
The remains of Mardale Green, submerged beneath Haweswater Reservoir in the Lake District since the 1930s, have become partially visible due to falling water levels this summer.
The remains of Mardale Green have re-emerged from Haweswater Reservoir after a dry summer caused water levels to fall significantly. The village was submerged in the 1930s when Manchester Corporation deliberately flooded the area to create a water supply for the growing city. None of the buildings remain standing, but their outlines become visible when water levels drop low enough.
Water levels at Haweswater are currently at 16.36 metres, compared to a normal range maximum of 31.39 metres. July was the driest July on record in England and Wales, and although heavy rain has fallen in autumn, the reservoir has not returned to usual levels.
When the village was flooded, most buildings were blown up. The small church, which could hold 75 people and held a ticketed final service, was carefully dismantled in April 1937 and its stones and windows were used to construct the water take-off tower on the reservoir's western shore. Around 97 sets of human remains were exhumed from the churchyard and transferred to Shap. Other villagers dismantled their own houses brick by brick, though the flooding remained controversial.
How it is being reported
- Lost village re-emerges after Haweswater Reservoir levels fallDry weather reveals Mardale village remains beneath Haweswater Reservoir in the Lake District, flooded in the 1930s to create the UK’s largest reservoir.NW Evening Mail · 10 Oct, 06:00
- Lost village re-emerges after Haweswater Reservoir levels fallDry weather reveals Mardale village remains beneath Haweswater Reservoir in the Lake District, flooded in the 1930s to create the UK’s largest reservoir.Westmorland Gazette · 10 Oct, 06:00
In this story: Mardale Green · Haweswater Reservoir · Lake District · Manchester Corporation · Lily Ramsbottom
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