About Rutland

First recognised as a Shire County in 12th Century, Rutland has a rich history and proud residents.  But it isn’t without its own controversies; its name alone is a matter for some debate; some say it was derived from the name Rota, a landowner who lived in the area soon after the Roman period; others are adamant it is named after the rich red colour of the soil here.  
Rutland has always depended on the land for a living, and today it remains a predominantly agricultural county as can be seen by the rolling hills and flower filled meadows.

Churches and Heritage
There are some beautifully preserved Churches in the county, some with chequered pasts; the Stoke Dry church is said to be where the gunpowder plot was hatched by Guy Fawkes and his traitorous gang.  And the most famous of all Rutland’s churches perhaps, is Normanton Church, or St Matthews as it was known in years gone by.  What visitors see now is not what once existed – the floor of the church has been raised 3 metres to bring it above the waterline and the walls have been waterproofed; it is now not a church but a museum. Discover 15 of Rutland's fascinating churches with The Rutland Church Trail leaflet - click here to download your own copy.

Rutland Heritage Trail
There are 7 different trails around the county, each offering a circular walk and cycle route. These are available from the Tourist Information Centre at Sykes Lane, Rutland Water. 01780 686 800. The 7 titles are:

1. Bishops, Bombs and Bonfires
2. Fields & Follies
3. Romans, Roses and Poems
4. Mills, Quarries and Railways
5. Forests, Monks and Pagans
6. Mysterious Mazes and Vanished Villages
7. Canals & Canterbury, Water & Westminster

The Creation of Rutland Water
The major change to Rutland’s landscape came in the 1970’s, with the creation of Rutland Water.  The tiny hamlets of Nether Hambleton and Middle Hambleton in the Gwash Valley were flooded to make way for the reservoir; when the villages were lost, so too were peoples homes, farms and way of life; their story lives on though, through the historical displays and fascinating information available at the Normanton Church Museum. 

Independent Rutland
Also in the 1970’s, Rutland lost its independence as a county, and became part of Leicestershire.  This change was fiercely opposed by many, but remained so until 1997, when Rutland regained its independence. 

In 2007, Rutland held a celebration to mark its 10th anniversary of independence together with a celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of Rutland Water.