THE removal of a mysterious wooden barrier at the front of Redcliffe House in Drybrook has sparked speculation about the possible uses of a 'lost cellar' that has been found underneath the property.

Abbie Young, an estate agent who moved into the Drybrook Road house with her family about a year ago, contacted the Review and told us: "We had no idea what was behind the wooden plate in the wall – but when the builders did remove it we discovered that it opened up into a set of steps leading down to a cellar we never knew we had."

Further investigations revealed a huge stone slab set across one wall of the subterranean hideaway, and hanging on the wall, like something frozen in time: an old leather apron. The house is said to date from the 1880s.

"We have asked the neighbours, and some have suggested that the stone slab and apron may be from an old butchers shop, but as the house was repossessed some time ago, we don't have any actual records or photographs. I have tried searching online, but so far without success."

Abbey asked that we publish the details of the find in the hope that a Review reader may have more information – and possibly photographs – of the property in times gone by.