The fertile land which was about to be flooded had been farmed for thousands of years. Archaeological investigations, both before and during the construction of the reservoir, revealed evidence of Roman farmsteads, which is not surprising considering that Great Casterton, the known location of an important Roman fort and town, is only a few miles further down the valley. Sites of Iron Age hut circles, Saxon houses and cemeteries, and medieval dwellings and barns were also found. Aerial photographs of the valleys before flooding also show large areas of medieval ridge and furrow, certain evidence of strip farming methods being used.
.jpg "Archaeological excavation at Whitwell 1973")
The fertile land which was about to be flooded had been farmed for thousands of years. Archaeological investigations, both before and during the construction of the reservoir, revealed evidence of Roman farmsteads, which is not surprising considering that Great Casterton, the known location of an important Roman fort and town, is only a few miles further down the valley. Sites of Iron Age hut circles, Saxon houses and cemeteries, and medieval dwellings and barns were also found. Aerial photographs of the valleys before flooding also show large areas of medieval ridge and furrow, certain evidence of strip farming methods being used.
