Mystery surrounds stone structure discovered in garden of historic cottage in Helpston

Residents in Helpston are trying to discover the significance of an unusual stone work in the garden of an historic cottage.

The structure covers an area 15 feet by four feet and was unearthed by Brian Cocks as he dug in the front garden of his cottage that traces its origins to the 1650s.

The find was made as Mr Cocks dug up a patch of the garden to put in mature shrubs and plants.

He said: “About 10 inches down I found there were a number of stones set on edge, side by side, and others laid down.

"We don’t think it’s a path. It resembles the formation of stonework at the foot of the 14th century Butter Cross in the centre of the village about a quarter of a mile away.”

Mr Cocks, whose cottage was the Royal Oak beer house from about 1836 to 1929, said photographs of the structure had been sent to an expert at Cambridge University who thought the stones were likely to be medieval.

“But I’ve no idea what it is but I’m very interested to know what it is and how it was used.”

For the moment, Mr Cocks, who is a member of the Helpston History Group, has put off finishing the garden planting until more help can be found to uncover and examine the stones.

He said: “I think this is very interesting and I’d like to find out more about them - it’s more interesting than planting flowers.”

The Helpston Local History Group are currently helping excavate the stonework and would love to hear from any interested parties by email at [email protected]