Over the weekend some of the team were digging in the field next to the Leather Bottle. Very quickly they hit brick and uncovered the existence of a Victorian reservoir lost to the collective memory of the village.
In front of the field, by the road there is an old pump and a plaque that reads:
This reservoir was enlarged and rebuilt with the waterworks hereto belonging as the sole expense of the Right Honourable John Stuart Earl of Darnley and given to the parishioners to commemorate his coming of age April the 10th 1848
At some point the village changed its source of water and the reservoir was forgotten about. The current owner of the land was unaware of its existence – until now. More of the top of the structure was uncovered today to reveal edges and the curving of the roof.
It appears that the current owner is digging up this field this weekend. Not sure to whom it should be reported as there has been no public consultation/announcement. Any ideas how to appeal and put a temporary stop until we know more about the potential damage to the reservoir.
Dear Janelle, I have spoken to our Archaeologist who says he is working with the Parish Council concerning this matter. Thanks for keeping an interest. Kind regards.
There’s a well in the Meadow rooms grounds also.
I remember it from my youth.