4,000-Year-Old Ancient Homes Emerge from a Reservoir in the UK

Due to extreme heat in the United Kingdom, water levels at Fernworthy Reservoir in Devon have fallen to around 30%.

As the water receded, remains of a Bronze Age settlement became visible, including eight circular stone houses believed to be around 4,000 years old.

The reservoir is located within Dartmoor National Park in southwest England. The falling water level exposed parts of the ancient settlement that had previously been submerged.

Archaeological research suggests that people lived in the area from around 2300 BC. Ancient stone circles and burial mounds have also been identified nearby.

The settlement is believed to have been abandoned around 1000 BC. However, experts have also discovered later historical objects at the site, including coins dating to the 1540s and other items from the Tudor period.

According to the UK Environment Agency, reservoir levels across the country are currently about 20% below normal.

Of the country’s 31 reservoirs, 12 are less than half full, while conditions at eight are considered particularly serious.

Experts say several months of sustained rainfall would be needed for groundwater reserves to return to normal levels.