Dorset's Lost Dungeon?

Welcome to a Map Mystery. This week tries to address something that has been bothering me for some time. What exactly at those shafts for! Follow us in our journey as we try and uncover their purpose. How long have they been there for and ARE they the lost dungeons of Dorset??
Credits:
Maps: OS Map - Crown Copyright 2022. Used with Media License.
Music: Epidemicsound.com - Paid license
Picture: Mike Rowland - Archway within Iron Age Hill Fort
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[@robertmaitland09]

If you look really closely down the shaft you can just make out Martin and James enjoying a brew.

[@01cthompson]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Randomstuffs261]

That was genuinely fascinating, I reckon you two are going to be some of the UK's best traveled explorers at some point.

[@alan-jt7ts]

The two air shafts are above a water tank which was fed by a ram pump in a field south west of the tank and roughly south of the bend in Park Lane, still the remains of the brick shed the pump was in hidden in the brambles at the spring head. the tank fed the whole estate with water. The two arches in the hillfort are supposedly the route the Holford family used to travel to Glanvilles Wooton church from Duntish Court, there is a track on the South side of Great Wooton wood which is also part of the route

[@graemer3657]

Brilliant, educational, but also entertaining video, Thanks !

[@AndyBsUTube]

Interesting. I too saw these air-shafts on a map about 10 years ago and walked the site. My understanding from a local was that the hill fort (Iron age) was used to hold French prisoners during the Napoleonic period - hence the name Dungeon Hill. The brick arch which is cut into the fort circumference (and was ascribed to the landowner in the video) may have been part of this - and would likely have been the main gate whilst it was a prison camp. The shafts are very interesting - especially the one that has a metal cover suggesting man access - never did get round to going back there with the right kit to rig it, ascend and descend safely. There's a comment below about the geology with the same point as I would make. I live in Surrey at the bottom of the chalk North Downs. Plenty of water down here - below the spring lines. Note the springs on the maps around the hill. However - for those on the chalk water is only accessible below them - chalk is very porous. The Upper Greensand below (and the base layer of the chalk itself) are non-porous so the lower chalk is an aquifer. The map shown in the last few minutes of vid is intriguing - not sure what the other marked points are - or if this map is recorded fact from an archive, exploration or conjecture? However - we do have some local features here in Surrey which have certain things in common with this. If I had to bet I'd say that somewhere near those shafts - possibly in the patch of rough ground was an engine house - to pump the water up the well from the catchment below. Two shafts - one for the pump rods - the other for man-access. There may well be short headings from the bottom to increase the collection area/volume. Once pumped to the surface the water can easily be piped to any home in the area that is below that level - pretty much everywhere round there. In the late 19thC such local water schemes were starting to appear - early water companies supplying water on a larger scale to distinct catchment areas where water is unavailable from springs and has to be drilled for in small wells or boreholes. Or it may have been just one local landowner's private supply - or even agricultural.

[@AlexanderWright1]

There appeared to be a manhole at the base of one of the shafts. I'd have been very tempted to lift the lid...

[@chiaratiara2575]

There might have been a ladder going down!

[@samsamington6107]

Me too, I'd have to look!

[@nilo70]

You could have released a terrible monster too Alexander. An Evil that has been Waiting Since the dawn of Time !

[@thebrowns5337]

Yes. Small crowbar or manhole keys needed at all times. Not to go in - confined spaces are best avoided unless you have all the right kit, but to get a better view. Drop a camera down on a line, all that sort of stuff.

[@alexcharlesworth7580]

Oi live in that area. Trust oi. Ya don't wanna be liftin that therrre lid young'un. You'll unerrth tha beast of Darzet. 🤣

[@Hairnicks]

Love a map mystery, that was so interesting. The metal cover might have secured access into whatever was below. Send Martin Zero down it, he loves that stuff!

[@pwhitewick]

He'd be VERY welcome

[@lesliejpringle5545]

@@pwhitewick yes!! you cant leave this one like this!! Got to get someone down one of them!!

[@brianartillery]

It's your equivalent of Martin's 'Trapdoor In The Canal' - the 'Manhole In The Vent Column'.

[@freqeist]

looking a tad foxy Rebecca..

[@elliottjames8020]

Basic geology of Chalk Downland - chalk is porous, the spring line is found when the chalk layer meets the Greensand (a form of Sandstone). Water is stopped going down by the Greensand and forms the springline. As a Wiltshireman, those shafts are well above the Greensand layer just from looking at the landscape.

[@kitkatv3]

Love the presentation, subject and smile inducing cuts. Great work. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@andyhill242]

There are more questions than answers... The more we find out the less we know... You could have done with Martin Zero's CoC Rover for those shafts.

[@darrenharley6150]

Content better than a lot of tv channels. Can’t wait until next Instalment. My sort of channel 👍

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Darren

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

I want to click like but it's at 999 right now. I'll come back later when someone who doesn't have OCD likes the video.

[@nilo70]

Thank you both for making this wonderful episode ! I loved the way you produced it, very nice 👍

[@dianespears6057]

That was actually quite interesting. I like how you do so much research and preparation. Thank you both.

[@pwhitewick]

Our pleasure.

[@simonbradshaw3708]

Another interesting video, maybe worth contacting the local water company and the farmer to see if they can confirm your thoughts? It will be interesting if you manage to solve the mystery. I look forward to the next video.

[@GryphLane]

"Did you just emphasise shaft?" I tittered

[@christophermatthews6972]

They say this guy Paul is a bad mother(shut your mouth).

[@gaugeonesteam]

Did you know, there's a little place just south of there called "PLUSH BOTTOM" I delivered a piano there a few years ago. Pub there called "Brace of Pheasants" That part of Dorset is very beautiful and I reckon there are more mysteries there waiting to be discovered. As others have said, you two have a great presenting style. I always look forward to your next adventures.... PS: Brick bonds are interesting. London bond, Dutch bond, Flemish bond, stack bond, even English garden wall bond. I think that's header, stretcher, header, header, header, stretcher, stretcher, stretcher, then header, stretcher again. Anyway, great stuff as always.

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

Fascinating video.

[@brettpalfrey4665]

Fascinating as always..you make my Sunday evenings worth looking forward to!

[@jackpayne4658]

As an MR James fan, those shafts are simply waiting for an over-curious investigator - probably an elderly academic of some sort. After various minor setbacks, he will be rewarded by a memorable encounter with something slimy, cobwebby, and very unpleasant.

[@HenrysAdventures]

The hedgerow at 03:01 looks like a Laurus. As you say, not native to the UK.

[@soundhobo]

A good explore of that copse and the manhole 🕳 cover are a must. Great content 👍

[@derekr1113]

Great content and brilliantly produced.

[@derekblair8561]

Derek Blair I didn't know that my homeland had such mysterious places dating from known and unknown times.

[@edwardlees4585]

With all the innuendo possibilities you really need to do the commentary with a Kenneth Williams accent. Another great video, thanks.

[@Milamberinx]

OooohH

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Always a good one guys. Did you not think to lower the gopro down

[@alexcharlesworth7580]

I found this utterly fascinating as this is the area I was bought up. Still only live 10 miles away. As a nipper I lived a couple of miles away just over the hill in Minterne Magna. A good childhood friend of mine actually lived at Duntish Farm as I would cycle over there on Saturday's and ride his old motorbike round his farm. Happy days😄. We found the old grotto. Still surprisingly complete though that was probably nearly 30yrs ago😱. Never found those airshafts though. Probably luckily as we'd have been up there with our spades trying to dig our way in 🤣. The old stable block for the Dungeon Hill estate is still there as I worked on the buildings a few years ago when it was being converted. Fascinating area....

[@MrGreatplum]

Love these mysteries - I think if I ever get to own a large tract of land, I may put random stuff in it to bamboozle KZbinrs 100 years on 😜 I think the hedge at around 2:50 is laurel

[@GiacomodellaSvezia]

Thought so too, cherry laurel.

[@Randomstuffs261]

You're going to place ME on your tract of land?

[@MrGreatplum]

@@Randomstuffs261 - I’ll make sure it’s a nice tract!

[@Jimfowler82]

Looks very hardy to me

[@stuartandrews4344]

@@GiacomodellaSvezia Definitely Laurel.

[@Chris_Carini]

Excellent. More please.

[@ianyates3479]

To find out more about the shafts could you lower a light and a camera on a cord. You could see how deep and what might be at the bottom.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

This struck a chord.... Whilst 'studying' Vic OS, online, then Derbyshire County Council records office, as was, and their olde stock of plans, trying to clarify : Found, N of Derby, aside of the R. Derwent, a plotted string of noted Air Shafts, at rivers edge but per, as, to, what precisely I could not find any answer, despite being within the centre of all held/known info. My enquiries are of about 15 years old so happen sames purposes have been established since, but R. O.ff had no idea, then.

[@maryhairy1]

How intriguing. The plot thickens!

[@stuartbridger5177]

I love these short mystery videos, great presenting style.

[@Drivershell53]

something different but excellent. very interesting and enjoyable. Keep up the great work, best wishes to you both,

[@davidmunro1469]

I would have lowered a go pro and light on a string ?

[@pwhitewick]

Sadly I had no string available.

[@paulinehedges5088]

Really fascinating. Thank you for this Sunday evening's entertainment. Keep it coming!

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Love the editing. Happy to see this particular make a return. Although I wouldn't necessarily have it very often. Maybe about once a month or so. Also really love your photographs. Great quality!

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Also: Good looking in waistcoat, Paul :D

[@marccarter1350]

Love this channel, even better as i live in Salisbury :-)

[@TheFilwud]

Hmmm, I was just waiting for Martin Zero’s head to pop up out of that hole! Interesting vlog!

[@lindamccaughey6669]

That was incredible. What a mystery, just loved it. Love to see a few more like this. Mind you I love everything you do. Thanks for taking me along. Please stay safe and take care

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Linda, and thanks for your support.

[@Sarge084]

Does the stately pile have any fountains or other water features? The reason I ask is that Witley Court in Worcestershire (Not far from Stourport on Severn where you were recently.) has tunnels, or ducts, feeding its famous fountains, although I have no idea if they have ventilation shafts. Of course the purpose of a ventilation shaft in a small diameter tunnel, or duct, would be to let air in to break a vacuum lock, the opposite of railway tunnel shafts which release pressure!

[@howdydeloo2112]

As soon as i can get there,im gonna check it out,only down the

[@colinmaceachern9]

Another fascinating video. Here's a mystery for you to look at. The Glasgow to Wemyss Bay rail line. On said line at the village of Inverkip there are 2 viaducts one which is still in use the other only the pillars remain , they cross the Daff burn. Further on the line and just past the Inverkip station there are 2 tunnels, one in use the other is not. The line is shown to be originally a single line. The 2 viaducts and tunnels are a strange thing. The station at Wemyss Bay has 3 platforms, possibly 4 at one time. It also had a siding for suppling goods to the ferries that sailed from the pier. My late grandfather was a porter on the station as well as working on a local farm at the same time. I wonder if you could find any further information about the viaduct and the tunnel.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks for this Colin. Will add to the list.

[@KravKernow]

I'm not sure about the double tunnel, but I can offer this as to the double viaduct. Down here in Cornwall we have quite a number of examples of that arrangement. That is to say, a working viaduct next to the pillars of an earlier one. That's a relic of the early days of GWR. To keep down costs, and get the viaducts up as quickly as possible, they were designed with stone pillars but wooden 'fan' supports for the rails themselves. They were a stop gap. As heavier trains became the norm, then they had to construct replacement all stone viaducts. One thing you notice here is that by the time that happened, standard gauge had replaced the original broad gauge. So the newer viaducts are somewhat narrower than the originals. But maybe something like that is going on up by you?

[@SBCBears]

Interesting and you managed to get Rebecca into the vid, too. Will you be going back?

[@lukedavid4393]

Interesting video Rebecca and Paul, there is an air shaft in a field near to Plush village in Dorset - a villager told me it was for water pumping. Like you, I knew there were no railway lines nearby, so was puzzled.

[@isilder]

Air shafts generally not needed for fresh water,.. sewerage lines need air vents..sewerage kept unpressurised so that gravity can cause the flow ..

[@UKAbandonedMineExplores]

Interesting bit of research there, that's why I love mine exploring :)

[@mrlister2000]

You fancy going down that one?

[@sus8e462]

Not only great sites & analysis, but fun presentation/editing. Really enjoying your work! Thank you!

[@nathanlucas6465]

Did you try and lift that manhole cover?

[@davekirwin]

Hmmm, fascinating Paul! Nice edit cuts BTW.

[@simonf8370]

Wow, another interesting exploration. And nice tight editing. And I'm sure Rebecca did emphasise shaft....

[@Andrewjg_89]

I’ve been to Dorset couple times. Dorset is such a nice county.

[@BinkyTheElf1]

New sub. Great stuff!

[@kevanhubbard9673]

Depends what you mean by modern but those pink OS maps without the photos,covers date from the 1980's.I think that my first OS map, number 93,was of that type.They are very dated now as Sir Lawrie Barrett has turned much of out countryside to car centric Barratt boxes since.

[@markwng]

The plot thickens. Go pro on a fishing line? Come on, we all want to see..

[@thesteelrodent1796]

it's interesting that those shafts contain bricks from several different decades, but it means they're being maintained or at least have been for a very long time, which also means there's a good chance whatever they connect to is also in good condition. My guess is that if it's a cistern or other form of water collection point, it will have to be very deep down to work - and in order for water to be able collect in a chamber it must be ventilated, and the faster you need the water to collect, the more air you need to be able to expel. Considering the age of the structure, water is the most likely reason it exists, even if it's no longer used or needed

[@derrickharvey7487]

well done dudes.......fun and factual....all in one.....excellente

[@RobertSmith-zv1xo]

Random shafts never fails to make you want to know! It was interresting and maybe you will find the answer. Would you be brave enough to repeat lowering the gopro like you did in that tunnelshaft (can't remember which one) in an older vlog?

[@pwhitewick]

It was definitely on the cards until we realised it could be water supply. Then we assumed it wouldn't be wise of fair on the locals.

[@thebrowns5337]

@@pwhitewick I think it's fair to say it would not be an active water supply. The condition of those air vents - the poor roof structure, vegetation growth, loose air bricks, internal erosion due to water ingress etc. would put the supply at high risk. Also a more modern cover would be used for access and security (health and safety).

[@davidioanhedges]

@@pwhitewick I agree, even if not active then it might interact with the current supply .. check first then dangle ..

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

I think that the rapid changes between Paul and Rebecca might confuse your children!!!! 🙂

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely the goal.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

@@pwhitewick -- Having had four daughters of my own, and four stepsons -- and now two grandsons -- yes, there can be much pleasure gained through the confusion of one's offspring!!!! 🙂

[@Richard_Barnes]

Very interesting you pair 🙂👍🏻 enjoyed the chat about this one. Thanks. 🍻

[@SlipdeGarcondeJour]

I've been wondering what they were for years... I assumed an old mine works.

[@Juffington]

How do you work out what land you're allowed to cross? You made a passing comment about finding gates and not having to cross fences? I know the UK has right to roam, but it's a very confusing concept for Australians, where if you wander through a farmer's gate you're going to get a very angry farmer.

[@GiacomodellaSvezia]

4:18: Ceci n'est pas un Monet ;-) The production quality just made a massive leap forward.

[@philiptownsend4026]

Very interesting. I am a well travelled native of beautiful S England, now emigrated to E Europe (yes!) and missing my homelands. I have also a long interest in industrial landscapes and history so your videos are keeping me in touch. Thank you. PS I am becoming accustomed to your presenting style and video editing...

[@radiosnail]

Love your videos. still very fond of a paper O/s map too.

[@JP-su8bp]

Enjoyable little puzzle.

[@andrewmarch7891]

Thanks for that P&R fascinating as your stuff often is. Are you planning a follow-up with a camera on a long rope to lower down the ''shafts'' or... well you're the detectives in this field? Is it worth a 'watch this space'?

[@mikeakhurst1855]

Glad you seem to have such fun editing your adventures 😂

[@isilder]

The water authority map says its for pottable water. The reason to have two services coming from generally south isn't known, perhaps they were putting a water tank up here ??? They indicate numerous air vents, so the air shaft description may be wrong. manhole shafts ? or just shafts for water pipes... the side by side arrangement of the shafts looks like they would put a water tank inbetween them.

[@isilder]

That part of england still does not have water from outside, it has its own water supply. So stands to reason that the water mains were there for a WATER TANK. a water reservoir... then it got attached to the Duntish area water supply. Maybe Foy got it connected to two different mains..

[@isilder]

The problem with thinking they are for sewerage services is wrong, 1. there's no sewerage line on the map from twitter/ wessex water. 2. The vents for sewerage are at the bottom, so that the stuff coming down does not create pressure and pump bubbles out past everyones S bends.

[@ReubenAshwell]

Brilliant video and very interesting. :)

[@davidberlanny3308]

What an interesting discovery. Always enjoy reading the comments on here, great scope for inuendo, especially if you get Martin to go down there with his .. uhmmm ... CoC Rover. Just had a look and those shafts can be clearly seen on google maps. Good luck from Spain!!

[@andrewnorth170]

Shame you didn't find any dungeon.

[@pwhitewick]

Yup, I think quite a few have been searching lately too!

[@woohoofromtexasharris4814]

Go back. Gopro with light to bottom of shaft. Also might be a entrance in trees next to shafts. 😁😁😁🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🚚

[@pwhitewick]

Good call. I couldn't actually get to that clump!

[@phillipbateman2284]

As normal, you two are brilliant. I've been feeling rubbish all day, twenty seconds into your vlog and I'm laughing.. Many thanks, Rebecca and Paul, for subtle sauciness, facts and could be fiction, some lovely scenery and a strenuous hike when I didn't think I could even get out of bed. Take care.

[@pwhitewick]

A complete pleasure

[@Sim0nTrains]

Nice Interesting video and those shafts look straight indeed

[@vsvnrg3263]

there might be a need to let air bubbles out of the channel or pipes below. air in pipes disturbs the steady flow of water. some friends were living in a rural house where the water supply came from a tank near the top of a nearby hill. from here the water flowed through a poly pipe down this hill then up a slight rise before flowing downhill to the house. occasionally the water stopped flowing which required someone to go to a tap where the poly pipe stopped rising and started the last downhill run. air bubbles needed to be let out at this point before the water would flow to the house.

[@stevechick6129]

First 3 seconds were spellbinding. What followed was very interesting too. V professional.

[@davidwilkinson333]

Another great vid guys and right on my old doorstep too. I often wondered about those shafts, but never got around to checking them out. Back then the old boy who owned the land wasn't keen on anyone giing on it. A bit of a dig in the local achives a good few years back when I lived in Glanvilles Wootton, I found a reference to the Dorset Antiquerian Society doing a buit of exploratory digging circa 1890s. All they found, as I recall, was some Roman military personal equipment - helmets, some bits of armour and a few coins, I think, in the vicinity of the entrance. Keep up the great work and nice to see Rebecca make a 'guest appearance' 😁

[@andiecurtis3511]

Life is chaotic these days, your videos just calm me down. Thank you so much. They appeal to my reading of OS maps as a form of relaxation, they really fire my imagination. Your gentle humour is lovely. I used to explore the countryside in my younger years looking for features and wondering what their history was. Thank you!

[@allenatkins2263]

An enigma, wrapped in a mystery and pushed down a shaft.

[@phillunn4691]

That was a very interesting, if curious find. I see what you mean by the strange things you discovered on that estate. Another great video Paul and Rebecca 👍🏼

[@akbrooks70]

England is so crazy that you can just walk on to anybody’s land whenever you want. There’s a lot of cool stuff in America that will never be seen because it’s privately owned but conversely nobody’s randomly walking through your back yard rummaging through your crap. As a homeowner, there’s no way I would ever allow something like that without somebody reaching out to me beforehand.

[@philipportelli7700]

If there is an abandoned water storage structure built underground about 120 years ago, how stable would the land above it be?

[@thebrowns5337]

Depends on depth, ground conditions and construction methods.

[@lemonladyYT]

Now you have all that data and footage you should make a Listing recommendation to Historic England. The 'pillars' look like they've been reparied a few times but it would be good to ensure they're protected for the future. Anyone can do so and I believe it's free. Edit: The Hill Fort is Listed and the record includes info on what Foy found. Three properties to the south are also Listed and their records may be worth checking for any more Foy info. The 'pillars' are not Listed as yet.

[@brianartillery]

Very interesting. I love weird anomalies in the landscape like this. It's a sad fact, though, that landowners in the past, often opened up tumuli and hillforts just in case any treasure was to be had, and dug indiscriminately to do so. Often the landowner and his cronies would sit and watch, eating and drinking, whilst 'some little men from the village' did the digging. Anything that wasn't obviously treasure, like pottery shards or bones, would be thrown on to the spoil heap, and later be reburied willy-nilly at the site. To be fair, early archaeologists weren't much better. I read of one William Borlase, who wasn't averse to random diggings at old sites. The underground watercourse is a good theory. I wonder if Southwest Water have any records of them?

[@Jimyjames73]

Very mystery!!! 😉🤔🚂🚂🚂

[@royjennison3916]

wow very interesting . loved the content . and your wife in that skirt looked amazing too

[@JammyDodger45]

Best you don't go looking at Rebecca's corset videos then. It might send you over the edge. 😍

[@terryengland1880]

In years the MOD were buying up old quarries, roofing them over and creating a ammo stores,control centres ect

[@kp_pro]

Love you guys.. keep up the good work :)

[@janecapon2337]

Most intriguing. I would love to know the answer to the shafts.

[@andykopgod]

Martin zero should get his 'cockrover' down there 😆👏

[@watchmakersp9935]

Loved the video..and music..thanks to you both!!!

[@ivanrowland6353]

Looks interesting so when are you both doing the rest of Cromford canal ? I'd love to meet you and tell you about the history

[@keeperofthegood]

Seems like you are going to have to 'go fishing' and put that go-pro on a good string and send it down (as well as a lamp, quite dark down there).

[@robertlewis2]

More Map Mysteries. It was exciting to follow along on Google Maps.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

The mystery remains? Might a local industrial archaeological society be able to throw more light down the shafts, I wonder? Historic England website on Dungeon Hill mentions that on the East and West side of Dungeon Hill are entrances which pass through the rampart by brick tunnels. Could these tunnels be connected to the two brick air shafts....

[@thebrowns5337]

Is that not just the bridges we saw? These were entrances through the old wall.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

@@thebrowns5337 Yes, you could well be right.

[@1000left]

I just found your channel and I LOVE IT!!!!! Nice work and THANK YOU!!!!

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome.

[@davie941]

this was great again paul and rebecca , as always very interesting , well done and thank you guys 😊

[@tubularfrog]

I would have guessed a bomb shelter left over from the Blitz at the outset.

[@TheSmoothie1973]

Why didn't you mention the man hole cover?