Old Drain - What is this?

[Always Learning]

When we purchased a house last April I always had the intention to break up some concrete bays and dig down to the clay.

I am wanting a garden so I am trying to prepare the area ready for top soil to be delivered.

The house is approx 200 years old and a long time ago there used to be out buildings, I have heard rumors of an old black smiths shop and even an old fish and chip shop but I am unsure what was in place back then.

Anyhow while digging out I found what looks like an old man hole cover which is capped off about a foot down with cement, next to this is a huge piece of sandstone (I think) I have been trying to break this up with a big hammer and iron bar but it will not budge.

Does anyone know what the setup is with this or know anything about this type of stuff.

As far as I am aware all the drains are disused now, there are several that are just blocked up/disused.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[RedHerring2]

Go steady there. It's not unknown for people to uncover a previously capped well.

 

[merlin50]

looks like an old septic tank that has been filled in

 

[wavetrain]

Call in the C4 Time Team to investigate.

 

[investigator]

Looks like an old manhole thats been filled in with concrete

 

[Nige F]

looks like an old septic tank that has been filled in

What - concrete poured on top of the crust

 

[joinerjohn]

Call in the C4 Time Team to investigate.

Good Idea.. Tony Robinson' would just love it , if it were an old septic tank. He loves grubbing about in s**t .

 

[Always Learning]

We got a builder round yesterday who had a look, he said he feels that it isn't a manhole drain access because the sides are too thin (not brick) also he feels that it is too small for an old septic tank, to be honest I am no wiser.

I was told that it is not in use and does not seem to be connected to any drains & that if it were him he would remove it (the large piece of sandstone I am talking about) The square capped off thing I will keep and maybe grow a plant in it as I am in fear of causing expensive damage if I break it up.

When we get a skip at the weekend I will get rid of the rubble and dig out some more to see if it moves any easier.