Secret chamber found after 200 years

A hidden chamber which has been submerged by water for two centuries has been discovered by engineers carrying out £5.5million repairs to the Chasewater dam.

The chamber was revealed for the first time in 200 years when the reservoir at the heart of Chasewater Country Park was drained amid concerns for the safety of its dam which dates back to 1797.

Bosses at Lanes for Drains, based in Minworth, say no-one knew the chamber was there before they arrived while what it was used for is still a mystery.

Engineers who exposed the chamber said it "looked like a cathedral opening up in front of us".