The local BBC news reported this morning that English Heritage is planning to send a remote camera down the well at Beeston Castle. The well, hewn into the sandstone rock for at least 124 metres, is believed to be the deepest in Britain. There have long been rumours of treasure at Beeston. The story goes that Richard II, when on his way to crush a rebellion in Ireland in 1399, hid gold and jewels at various locations. When Henry Bolingbroke usurped the throne, much treasure was recovered, but many believed some was still hidden. Beeston has been searched before for the missing loot; after all this time, the team are far more likely to find rusting coins and old toffee wrappers.
The best treasure at Beeston, apart from its unique history, is the fantastic view from the castle, and the wealth of wildlife which has made its home there.
Images: The well at Beeston Castle, and the Victorian gatehouse built by Lord Tollemache in 1846, © Sue and Nigel Wilkes.
Images: The well at Beeston Castle, and the Victorian gatehouse built by Lord Tollemache in 1846, © Sue and Nigel Wilkes.
As you say, once they got past the layer of 20th detritus the could find old coins but more likely simply the crisp wrapper equivalent of previous centuries. They could start a whole new trend in discovering what is not biodegradable from 300 years ago.... Whatever it is it will be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI guess with modern techniques they may find something which has been overlooked with previous explorations. Archaeologists are still discovering tombs in Egypt in areas which have searched in the past so there is always a possibility of new discoveries.
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