The Heritage of Rutland Water Compiled and Edited by Robert Ovens and Sheila Sleath
Stunning Testament to Rutland Water
Seeing Rutland Water today as a thriving tourist attraction and major water provider,
it’s almost impossible to imagine life without it in our midst and the uproar over
its development.
A new book published by Rutland Local History & Record Society ... charts the entire
history of Rutland Water from the early days of Nether and Middle Hambleton through to
its current status as home of the ospreys.
Running to 680 pages, with full colour throughout, The Heritage of Rutland Water is one of
the most extensive and important books on Rutland ever produced. Doing true justice to it
would take at least as many pages again because there are so many different aspects to it
and so many praises to be made.
Honorary editor Tim Clough said: ‘Anyone who has an interest in Rutland, its history and its
environment will find something in this book that will catch the imagination, and if readers
are inspired to talk about what they have read or find out more, then one of the project's
aims will have been fulfilled.'
He added: ‘Extensive use of oral history and photographic archives assembled during the
project has resulted in a wide-ranging, fully illustrated account of Rutland Water and its
surroundings. It is the most ambitious programme the Rutland Local History and Record
Society has ever undertaken, and there is something in this book for everyone interested in
Rutland and its history and environment.’
The book is a stunning testament to one of Rutland's greatest landmarks, packed with facts
and personal memories to make an informative but entertaining read.
Andrea Scholes, Rutland Times, 6th November 2007
In 2004, following the success of Time in Rutland, Rutland Local History & Record Society
decided that the creation of Rutland Water and the consequent change in its surroundings
should be recorded while still in living memory. An application was made to the Heritage
Lottery Fund who recognised that it was a worthwhile project and work began.
Robert Ovens and Sheila Sleath agreed to manage this project, not realising that it would
take over their lives!
Sheila’s skills in talking to people and arranging oral history sessions coupled with Robert’s skills in editing and photography
meant that the slim volume envisaged turned into a very impressive book. Local people were persuaded to write articles,
companies to allow access to their archives and local photographers their collections. Anglian Water was very supportive
and local historians, archaeologists, ornithologists and naturalists were all encouraged to contribute.
Robert & Sheila also wrote many of the chapters themselves and had the onerous task of putting so much together.
The success of the book, published in December 2007 and reprinted in March 2008, is due to their skills and the time that
they have devoted to the project. Don’t be put off by the size or weight, the standard of the printing makes it a delight to
turn the pages and thanks to its Lottery funding it is amazingly good value at £22.
Sue Lee and Jean Orpin, Stamford Living, 2008
We spent a week staying in Rutland recently to undertake some family history research, which included ... time in the
museum and library in Oakham. We found your book The Heritage of Rutland Water ... out on a table in the local history
section, where we found a couple of interesting items, and decided to buy it when we saw it for sale in a local book shop.
It has been amazing to find information on our ancestors, the Broome and Clarke families of Hambleton, in print....
Thank you so much for a very illuminating book.
Gwen and Peter Cahill, September, 2008
Click here to order your copy online
