Imagine redecorating your living room and stumbling upon a 500-year-old well buried beneath the floorboards! This is exactly what happened to Colin Steer, a 70-year-old man from Plymouth, UK. While renovating his front room, Colin noticed a mysterious dip in the floor. His curiosity led him to an incredible archaeological discovery right in his home: an ancient well that is likely to be medieval. Let’s dive into this unique story of discovery, mystery, and a surprising connection to the past!
Unexpected Discovery of the Old Well
It all started when Colin was redecorating his home about ten years ago. While replacing the floor joists, he noticed an unusual dip near the bay window in his living room. Initially, he thought it might be something structural or, even more dramatically, the site of a buried body. However, Colin was determined to uncover the mystery and set to work digging out the area.
To his amazement, he discovered the stone walls of a well, buried under his living room. This well turned out to be an ancient, 500-year-old structure that had been hidden for centuries beneath the house.
Colin Steer, a 70-year-old man, stands in front of his house in Plymouth, UK.
Colin Steer the Grandad
Colin, now affectionately known as “the man with the well,” was thrilled with his find. As a curious and determined individual, he continued digging and investigating, eventually uncovering a well that extended 17 feet deep. His persistence paid off when he unearthed historical artifacts, including a 1725 coin and what appeared to be the leather casing of a sword.
This remarkable discovery transformed Colin from an ordinary homeowner to a local celebrity, as people from the community gathered to witness the ancient well firsthand.
History of the 500-Year-Old Well
The origin of the well remains a mystery. Despite studying old maps and records, Colin has been unable to determine why the well was constructed or what purpose it originally served. The house itself was built around 1895, and it’s clear that the well predates it by several centuries. Some speculate that the well could have been used for communal purposes, perhaps serving multiple families or livestock.
Although the exact history of the well is unclear, its age and the artifacts found within suggest that it played a significant role in the past, adding to the intrigue surrounding the discovery.
The Discoveries Within
While digging, Colin uncovered several fascinating artifacts. One of the most exciting finds was a 1725 coin, which hinted at the well’s long history. Another notable discovery was what seemed to be the leather casing of a sword, leading Colin to believe that the well could be of medieval origin.
The presence of these items not only added to the well’s historical significance but also raised new questions about the people who may have used it and what role it played in their lives.
Community Reactions to the Grandad
Since the discovery of the well, Colin’s home has become something of a local attraction. Neighbors and visitors are eager to catch a glimpse of the ancient structure, and Colin has become a local celebrity in his community. His wife, Vanessa, although initially concerned about the mess created by the excavation, is also fascinated by the well and its historical significance.
The couple’s grandchildren are particularly enthralled by the discovery, spending hours gazing down at the well through its protective cover.
Grandad’s Plans for the Well
Colin has big plans for the well. He envisions turning it into a unique feature in his living room by extending the walls of the well up through the floor and creating a glass-covered coffee table over it. This creative idea not only preserves the well but also allows it to become a functional and conversation-starting piece of furniture.
In addition to creating a stunning coffee table, Colin sees this as an opportunity to preserve and share a piece of history with future generations.
Mysteries of the Ancient Well
Despite his efforts to uncover the well’s secrets, many questions remain unanswered. The well’s origin and purpose continue to elude Colin, adding to the allure and mystery of this ancient structure. As he digs deeper, both literally and metaphorically, Colin hopes to learn more about the well and its historical context.
Currently, the well is about 17 feet deep, with Colin planning to excavate an additional 4 to 5 feet. The bottom of the well contains about 4 feet of clear, drinkable water, raising the possibility that it could have been a water source for early inhabitants of the area.
Conclusion
Colin Steer’s discovery of a 500-year-old well beneath his living room floor is a fascinating blend of archaeology and personal history. What began as a simple home renovation has turned into an extraordinary journey into the past, revealing hidden artifacts and raising questions about the well’s origins.
With plans to incorporate the well into his living room design, Colin’s story is a reminder that history is often closer than we think—sometimes right beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered.
