Drowned Villages Resurface: Derbyshire's Atlantis Revealed

In 1943, the picturesque villages of Derwent and Ashopton in Derbyshire's Peak District were deliberately submerged to create the Ladybower Reservoir. The decision, made by the Derwent Valley Water Board, was met with fierce opposition from local residents who were forced to abandon their homes and way of life.

The villages, which dated back to the 17th century, were once thriving communities with historic buildings, including the impressive Derwent Hall and the spired St. John and St. James church. However, the authorities insisted that more water was needed to serve the growing populations of Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, and Sheffield, and construction of the dam began in 1901.

Despite the protests, the buildings of Derwent and Ashopton were purchased and the villagers were relocated to an estate at Yorkshire Bridge. The final church service in Derwent must have been a heartbreaking moment, as the residents gave up their entire way of life.

Now, in 2025, the crumbled remains of these lost villages are reappearing with increased regularity during periods of drought. The remarkably depleted water levels in 2018 attracted a record-breaking number of visitors to the reservoir beds, where they can witness the ghostly remnants of Derbyshire's own "Atlantis." The one remaining visible monument, the spire of the church, was demolished in 1947 due to safety concerns.

As well as the prospect of seeing the submerged villages, tourists are drawn to Ladybower by another intriguing feature - a giant "plughole" at the southern end of the dam, which sucks water down in a great vortex. While some have joked about it providing a direct route to Australia, the authorities warn that it is extremely dangerous and should not be approached.