What began as a project to restore a piece of British history quickly evolved into a genuine historical detective story for one couple. New owners of The Granville in Thundersley, Essex, stumbled upon an astonishing secret buried beneath their 400-year-old establishment: a mysterious, bricked-up tunnel leading from the cellar into darkness.
Charlie Smith and his partner, who purchased the pub in 2022, were undertaking essential renovation work when they made the discovery. While assessing the cellar, they noticed something unusual—a section of wall that didn't look quite right. Their curiosity piqued, they decided to investigate further.
The moment of revelation was straight out of an adventure novel. After carefully removing a few bricks, they were met with a chilling draft of air and the sight of a deep, dark passageway stretching into the unknown. The tunnel, constructed from old bricks and showing signs of considerable age, was immediately sealed back up for safety, leaving its destination and purpose a tantalising mystery.
Unravelling the Local Legend
The discovery has set the local community abuzz with theories about the tunnel's origins. The most compelling local legend suggests it was part of a network of secret passages used by smugglers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Essex's coastline was a notorious hotspot for contraband, and pubs often served as perfect fronts for illicit activities.
Other theories point to the pub's possible use as a safe house for priests during times of religious persecution, with hidden tunnels offering a vital escape route. The couple themselves are captivated by the history they've uncovered and are eager to learn more, consulting with local historians to piece the puzzle together.
A Peek Into the Past
This isn't the first hidden feature the couple has found. The historic building, which also operated as a bakery and a farmhouse in its long life, has already yielded other secrets, including a hidden fireplace. The tunnel, however, is by far the most significant find.
They plan to have the structure properly surveyed by experts before making any decision on whether to unearth its secrets fully. Their primary goal remains the sympathetic restoration of the pub itself, ensuring this chapter of history is preserved for future generations to enjoy—mysterious tunnel and all.
