SK9306 : Normanton Church tower
taken 8 years ago, near to Normanton, Rutland, England
St Matthew's Church is a grade II listed building, built between 1826 and 1911. It was once the private chapel for the Normanton Estate, but was de-consecrated in 1970. It was saved from demolition as part of the Rutland reservoir construction by public outcry the lower half was filled with stone and rubble, with a concrete cap constructed just below the level of the windows. An embankment was built round the church protecting it from the water leaving it a prominent feature on the water's edge. The structure originally was home to an exhibition recording the history of Rutland Water, but this has been re-located in the visitor centre. The building is now a very popular venue for civil weddings and concerts. (Correct at November 2015)