Ancient Village Re-emerges From Devon Reservoir

Stunning remains of a prehistoric village have emerged from Fernworthy Reservoir in Devon. Intense summer heatwaves caused water levels to drop to 30% of capacity, revealing Bronze Age stone huts that have been submerged since World War II. These structures, dating back to settlements that thrived around Dartmoor from at least 2,300BC, offer a glimpse into ancient life. The settlers of that era built stone roundhouses and monuments, but by 1,000BC, the land became waterlogged, leading to abandonment.

The reservoir, built in 1942, covers approximately 76 acres and has only revealed these ancient remains on a few occasions, notably during the 1976 drought. In 2022, Bronze Age hut circles were also spotted as reservoir levels dropped. This re-emergence follows another recent discovery in August at Rutland Water, where stonework and building outlines appeared.

Despite recent rainfall, 11 areas in England, including London, the Thames Valley, and East Anglia, remain under drought status. Over 70% of England's population lives in these affected areas, with the North East and North West categorized as having prolonged dry weather.