A WELL, thought to date from the 18th century, has been unearthed in a Lancing back garden.
Debbie and Kevin Durling got more than they bargained for when they were digging the foundations for their new extension and discovered the well, which is still 20ft deep despite being partially filled in.
"We had an archaeologist come down and she thinks it dates back from the 18th century," said Mrs Durling, of Upper West Lane, North Lancing.
"We knew when we bought the property that Glebe House and our cottage used to be one.
"Our cottage used to be the chauffeur's cottage with the surrounding land used for agricultural purposes.
"But we're not sure whether it was a well that was made for the cottage that was here before this one was built, or whether it was for agricultural use."
CommemorateThe couple have now been visited by a structural engineer who has reassured them that it is safe to fill the well in, and carry on building their extension, but Mrs Durling would like something to remember the unusual find.
"After we have done the extension we would like to get a photo of the well and put it on some kind of plaque to commemorate it," she said.
"A lot of people have been interested and it seems sad to just cover it up again."
Mr and Mrs Durling have also been visited by members of the Lancing and Sompting Past Times group who told them more about the history of north Lancing and their home.
History"It's quite interesting, really, considering we just discovered it when we were making our extension," said Mrs Durling
"They must have known about the well when they built our house because they built the foundations right up to the corner of the well but it was never registered.
"You buy a house and you think it's not that old, and then you find a well in it.
"It would be interesting to find out if anyone else knows anything about the history of it."
-------------------------------------
Click here for more Lancing news.Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.ukWant to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.