Fonthill Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fonthill Lake |
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 Fonthill Lake
Location in Wiltshire
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| Location | Wiltshire, England |
| Coordinates | 51°05′19″N 2°05′45″W / 51.0886°N 2.0959°W |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Max. length | 1.3 km (0.81 mi) |
| Max. width | 100 m (328 ft) |
Fonthill Lake is a beautiful lake located in Wiltshire, a county in southwest England. It's nestled near the villages of Fonthill Bishop and Fonthill Gifford. This long, narrow lake stretches about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) in length. At its widest point, it's about 100 meters (330 feet) across.
A small stream called the Fonthill Brook flows into the lake. This brook then leaves the southern end of the lake. It travels about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) southeast to join the River Nadder near the village of Tisbury.
Contents
About Fonthill Lake
How Was the Lake Made?
Fonthill Lake wasn't formed naturally. It was created in the mid-1700s. People built a special wall, called a weir, to hold back water from a stream. This created the lake.
The lake was made for a very important person named Alderman William Beckford. He was a politician and a wealthy man. He was building a grand house nearby, which was later known as Fonthill Splendens. The lake added to the beautiful gardens around his home.
In 1987, the large park around the lake was recognized as a special historic place. It was given a "Grade II*" listing on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. This means it's considered very important for its history and beauty.
Wildlife at the Lake
Fonthill Lake is home to many interesting birds. You can often spot a large group of Mandarin ducks here. These ducks are known for their amazing, colorful feathers. They are not originally from England but have made Fonthill Lake their home.
You can also see many wild swans gracefully swimming on the water. The lake provides a safe and peaceful place for these birds to live.
Famous Connections
A Movie Star Lake
Fonthill Lake has even been featured in a movie! In 2000, parts of the film Chocolat were filmed here. The lake was used for the river scenes in the movie. Chocolat starred famous actors like Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp.
A Mountaineer's Resting Place
The lake is also a special place for another reason. The ashes of Eric Shipton, a famous mountaineer, were scattered here. Eric Shipton was a pioneer in exploring Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. It's a peaceful spot for a brave adventurer.
