Knipton – Reservoir and Village History

Knipton brings together the history of a water reservoir, a protected open space and notable historic buildings. If you are looking for a hotel in Knipton, these themes offer a practical guide to choosing the destination: the village can be understood through both its architectural history and its landscape.

Reservoir and protected open space

Knipton Reservoir was built between 1794 and 1797 as a flood reservoir for the Grantham Canal. It covers 40 acres and is surrounded by mature trees. Its original design is also part of the village’s history: in the picturesque tradition of Capability Brown, the reservoir was intended to provide a place for recreation and beauty.

A separate open space runs from north to south through the centre of Knipton and is designated as protected open space in its entirety. This includes the land north of Nursery Lane and the grounds around the former primary school and the churchyard of All Saints. Particularly attractive mature trees are noted there. The reservoir and open space thus represent two distinct aspects of the local landscape: the history of water engineering and the deliberately preserved open area in the village centre.

Church and architectural history

All Saints is a Grade II* listed parish church. Its west tower and chancel date from the 13th century; the nave and north aisle were built in the mid-14th century. The sequence of its architectural features traces the building’s long development. Visitors interested in historic architecture will find several clearly dated elements in one building.

The other named buildings also reflect different construction methods and periods. Knipton Lodge has a colour-washed brick façade and a roof of diminishing courses of Cumberland slate. The Gatehouse is a Belvoir Estate house dating from around 1890; its walls are built of regularly coursed ironstone with limestone dressings. The materials and façade detailing create a different architectural impression from the medieval features of All Saints.

The Cottage is a late-19th-century house in the Vernacular Revival style. Its projecting gable ends create an H-shaped plan, and three gabled dormers define the roof. The Church Cottages, in turn, are Grade II listed buildings dating from around 1750. They comprise two dwellings and were built of regularly coursed ironstone with limestone quoins and dressings. Differences in date, plan and building materials make clear that Knipton’s architectural history is not limited to a single period.

Another small structure adds to this picture: Knipton Village Pump and Pump Shelter is a mid-19th-century ironstone water pump sheltered by a timber gabled roof. It is Grade II listed. Along with the buildings and the church, it offers a closer look at the different forms of historic construction in Knipton.

For planning your trip, Knipton offers a clearly defined focus: the history of the reservoir, the landscape in the village centre and architecture from different periods. This combination can help you decide whether the village suits your interests before you look for a hotel for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Earl Shilton, Measham, Moira, Orton, Croxton Kerrial, Sutton Cheney, Goadby Marwood, Melton Mowbray

For the main travel overview: Leicestershire.