Ladybower Reservoir is one of Derbyshire’s beautiful tourist attractions and a great day out.
But did you know the reservoir hides a secret?
A very big secret, the size of two villages, to be exact.
The distinctive Y-shape construction of the reservoir, along with its sweeping views across shimmering waters makes it a unique place to explore.
However Ladybower Reservoir’s history tips it into the realms of ‘unique Derbyshire heritage’.
Ladybower Reservoir started life in 1935, a project spearheaded by Derwent Valley Water Board to fulfil needs of the wider East Midlands.
To make this happen, two villages of Ashopton and Derwent were flooded.
It may seem somewhat drastic to flood inhabited villages, but it was a huge undertaking from the then Derwent Valley Water Board who facilitated relocation of residents to nearby Derbyshire villages.
Ashopton buildings were pulled down before the reservoir was filled, although structures remained intact in Derwent village.
Remains of Derwent village can be seen today when dry spells and extreme drought make the village ruins visible from the concrete A57 road bridge.
Other little-known facts about Ladybower Reservoir
1. Two giant plugholes drain surplus water to prevent damage to the dam.
2. It is the largest reservoir in the Peak District National Park.
3. It was officially opened by King George VI on September 24, 1945.
Here are a few photos showing the history of Ladybower Reservoir. Do you have any historical snaps to share? If so we would love to hear from you. Email [email protected] and we’ll take a look.
1. Ladybower Reservoir gives up secret hidden village
During times of extreme drought, Ladybower Reservoir reveals remains of Derwent village. Here is the pump house that could be seen in 2018. The entire Derwent village was flooded to create Ladybower Reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley in Derbyshire. | Paul Ellis AFP via Getty Images
2. Vibrant Ashopton village pre-flooding
Before Ashopton village was demolished and flooded it was a vibrant community hub. Pictured is Postmaster William Hubbard who constructed Ashopton Post Office using local Derbyshire stone. Mr Hubbard is seen chatting to a local outside the village shop which also sold gifts and tobacco. | Fox Photos
3. Ladybower Reservoir hides the flooded villages of Ashopton and Derwent
Although no structures of Ashopton remain today, here is a blast from the past showing the quaint nature of life in Ashopton. Both villages of Ashopton and Derwent had vibrant communities, which were dissipated following Derwent Valley Water Board's decision to relocate residents to nearby Bamford, to make way for Ladybower Reservoir. | Derbyshire Times
4. Ladybower welcomes royals
Ladybower Reservoir has had some very high profile visitors, it was a royal affair when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth opened Ladybower Reservoir in 1945. | Sheffield Newspapers