'Significant' find at Alfred the Great's resting place
Archaeologists have described the discovery of a water tunnel in back gardens near Hyde Abbey, Winchester as "extraordinary"
Last updated 23rd Aug 2022
The Hyde900 charity made the discovery during a dig of three back gardens near the Abbey which is the final resting place of Alfred the Great.
The tunnel is thought to be the main channel for the medieval water supply to the refectory, kitchens and infirmary of the abbey.
More than 140 people joined the Hyde900 charity for a series of digs over the weekend.
Dig co-ordinator David Spurling said: "It's significant. This tunnel would have acted as a source of water but subsequently as a flushing stream to flush out the toilets.
One of the most satisfying things during the dig has been seeing children discovering archaeology".