Hidden 'drowned village' revealed after heatwave dries up reservoir

A “drowned village” which was hidden for more than a century has been uncovered by the heatwave.

As the water in Burrator Reservoir in Dartmoor, Devon, dropped to beneath 50 per cent capacity, ruins of a wall were revealed, while a farmhouse and a bridge are thought to lurk beneath the surface.

As water levels drop further, it is believed more of the village could become visible.

The valley was first flooded in 1898, submerging landmarks such as Essworthy Far, Darke’s leat and Sheepstor Bridge.

When it was expanded in 1929, parts of the 15th century Longstone Manor were also submerged.

With the consistently hot temperatures, water in the dam has dipped to 48.5 per cent capacity, compared to 85 per cent at this time last year.

Locals said it had been “fascinating” to see the estate ruins emerge.

Alex Hillman, of Plymouth, Devon, said “It’s amazing to see all of the things that are not usually revealed. It’s fascinating. I’ve never seen the water this low before.”

The UK heatwave could make this summer the hottest on record, the Met Office has said.

If the long spell of hot weather continues, it will “certainly rank in the top 10 warmest summers on record,” the national weather service added.

It has exposed previously undiscovered or long-hidden outlines of various archaeological sites, from ancient forts to remnants from the Second World War.