Normanton Church — Attraction in England

Visitors to Rutland Water, and to Normanton Church in particular, marvel at how the building seems to float on the water. They might be even more intrigued to know that the lost village of Nether Hambleton lies under the water. Once a thriving community, the village was flooded during the creation of the Rutland Water reservoir. Imagine, if you will, the dismay of the inhabitants of Nether Hambleton when they were told of plans to flood the Gwash valley where they and their families had lived for centuries. Then would have come the awful realisation that this would mean not only the loss of their homes but of their livelihoods as well. However, the ever-expanding population of South East England meant an increasing demand for fresh water had to be met and this idyllic and rural part of Rutland was chosen as the perfect location. Hambleton is thought to have been the capital of Rutland’s Anglo-Saxon kings. It exists today as Hambleton village but once comprised three parts: Upper, Middle and Nether (or Lower) Hambleton. When the valley was flooded in 1976 to create Rutland Water (known to begin with as Empingham Reservoir after the Parish of Empingham that surrounds it), only Upper Hambleton and part of Middle Hambleton were left and these are now known as Hambleton. Nether Hambleton – also called ‘the lost village’ – is now under the water, a small community of houses and farms abandoned forever and frozen in time. Hambleton is situated close to a Dark Age meeting place for Anglo-Saxon administrative districts known as wapentakes. The three large estates of Hambleton, Oakham and Ridlington once formed the Wapentake of Martinsley. By 1086, the Domesday Book recorded Hambleton as being a village with a population of 750 people, three priests, three churches, one mill and forty-five ploughs. The village later held a weekly market and an annual fair. The lost village – is under the water, abandoned forever and frozen time Nether Hambleton itself was once a sizeable settlement during the Medieval period. Now, sadly, all that remains of its former glory is the splendid structure known as Normanton Church. The Old Hall, built in 1611, and a few houses on the lower slope of Rutland Water are all that’s left of Middle Hambleton. Hambleton village today can boast around sixty houses. It has the thatched roofs and old stonework so typical of a very old English village and is surrounded on three sides by a beautiful rolling landscape of trees and fields. On the other side, of course, is the largest...

Normanton Church is an absolute dream to photograph weddings at! The location is simply stunning – perched right on the edge of Rutland Water, it offers breathtaking views and a truly unique setting for a wedding ceremony.

The natural lighting inside the church is incredible, it’s one of those venues where every angle feels magical, and it always results in the most beautiful photos.

What makes it even more special is the variety of options nearby for your wedding reception. Many couples take full advantage of the location, with some even treating their guests to a trip on the Rutland Belle right after the ceremony – such a fun and memorable touch!

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind venue with stunning scenery and plenty of ways to make your day truly unforgettable, Normanton Church is a must. Highly recommended for any couple dreaming of a magical and...

Normanton Church is a must-visit if you're in the Rutland area. This iconic church, partially submerged by the creation of Rutland Water in the 1970s, offers a unique blend of history and picturesque scenery.

The church was originally part of the old Normanton Estate but was saved from flooding when the reservoir was created. Today, it stands on a small peninsula, offering incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.

The architecture is stunning, and the peaceful surroundings make it a perfect spot for reflection. It's also a popular wedding venue, and it's easy to see why—imagine saying your vows with panoramic views of the water as your backdrop! Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a tranquil spot to unwind, Normanton Church is well...