Restoring a Medieval Well During a Basement Refurbishment in Ilfracombe
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
At L Vickery Building Contractors, we’re no strangers to surprises on site, but every so often, a project reveals something truly extraordinary. During a recent refurbishment in Ilfracombe, our team uncovered a medieval well hidden beneath the basement floor, transforming an already interesting renovation into a remarkable historical restoration.
What began as a standard structural upgrade quickly evolved into a carefully managed conservation and engineering project.
While carrying out basement refurbishment works in order to convert the room into the property's kitchen, Our team identified a void beneath the floor structure. Further investigation confirmed the presence of an old well, believed to date back several centuries. Discoveries like this require immediate professional assessment to ensure the safety of the property and everyone on site.
Rather than simply covering the feature, the client shared a vision to preserve and showcase this unique piece of history and we were proud to help make that happen.
The first priority was safety. Our team worked methodically to:
Assess the structural integrity of the surrounding ground
Carefully clear and stabilise the well
Implement appropriate reinforcement measures
Ensure compliance with current building regulations
Specialist attention was given to the lining and structural support to prevent any risk of collapse or subsidence. The well was professionally restored, secured, and integrated safely into the building’s structure.
Preserving historical features requires a balance of respect for the past and adherence to modern construction standards, something we take seriously on every project.
With the restoration complete, the well has now been transformed into a stunning architectural feature within the home. A reinforced glass floor panel in the kitchen allows the homeowners and visitors to view the restored well below, turning what was once hidden underground into a focal point of the property.
Additionally the glass floor was carefully engineered to meet load-bearing requirements, ensuring durability, safety, and long-term performance.
Projects like this highlight the importance of experience and adaptability in the building trade. Refurbishment work often uncovers unexpected elements, particularly in older properties. Our role is to respond professionally, ensuring structural integrity while respecting the building’s history.
At L Vickery Building Contractors, we specialise in:
Structural alterations
Refurbishments and renovations
Groundworks and underpinning
Safe integration of historical features
High-quality residential construction
This project is a perfect example of how traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering can work hand in hand.
What was once a hidden medieval well beneath a basement floor is now a talking point, safely restored and beautifully displayed as part of a contemporary kitchen design. It stands as a reminder of Ilfracombe’s long history and the layers of stories that many properties hold beneath their foundations.
We’re proud to have played a part in preserving this feature while delivering a safe, functional, and visually impressive result for our client.
If you’re planning a refurbishment, structural alteration, or bespoke building project, our team is always happy to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life, even if it involves uncovering a little piece of history along the way.
Get in touch to discuss your refurbishment project.
📞: +44 (0)1271 529632
Comments