What was first thought to be bits of wood in the ground has now been revealed to be an ancient, 3,500-year-old wooden well.
Archaeologists discovered the remarkably well-preserved timber structure, built in the Bronze Age for collecting water.
The discovery was made during a routine archaeological excavation carried out ahead of a proposed housing development in an area where Roman and Anglo-Saxon finds have also been made.
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Archaeologists identified the well has an upper platform made of “planks and roundwood”, which connected to a log ladder descending into a lower chamber.
It was discovered just south of Gloucester and is offering a rare glimpse into life during the middle Bronze Age.
Expert Paolo Guarino, of Cotswold Archaeology, said the discovery stood out due to the rare preservation of organic material, as reported by What’s The Jam.
“It’s not often that we find wood.
“Water-logged conditions are some of the best for the preservation of organic matter like timber.”
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“One of the things we do wonder is why we have such a feature in an area that is now rich in streams and rivers.
“We know from pollen analysis that during the Middle Bronze Age there was a period of weather-warming.
“The fact we’re finding more of these water holes suggests communities were digging them to access water near their settlements.”
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He added that high water levels over time are what likely contributed to the well’s preservation.
Excavation work and analysis has now been completed, and the findings will be presented to developers and local councillors.
The results could lead to further archaeological investigations across a wider area.
The preserved timbers are being analysed by specialists, with some selected for conservation.
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