A sinkhole recently appeared on a golf course in Manchester, England. It revealed an abandoned wine cellar that had been untouched for over 100 years.
Steve Hopkins, the deputy head greenkeeper at Davyhulme Park Golf Club, found the cellar near the 13th hole. Inside, he discovered dozens of empty glass bottles.
An Unexpected Discovery
Hopkins first noticed a small sinkhole on the 13th tee. He thought it was just a collapsed drain, which isn't unusual. As he and his team dug deeper, the ground opened up beneath them.
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Start Your News DetoxThe entrance to the cellar was found beneath the golf course. Davyhulme Park Golf Club
The digging led to a small doorway. Hopkins carefully climbed inside and found a brick cellar filled with empty wine and port bottles. He believes he was the first person to enter the space in over a century.
The cellar is located near a part of the course already called "the Cellars." Staffers believe it was once part of Davyhulme Hall. This manor was built by the Hulme family in the 12th century.
In 1844, Robert Henry Norreys inherited the estate and created a nine-hole golf course. Davyhulme Hall was torn down after Norreys died in 1887. The current golf club was formed in the early 20th century.
What's Next for the Cellar?
Martyn Hamer, a staff member, said the discovery is exciting for the club. They know the area has a rich history, as it was once a manor.
Staffers found empty wine bottles in the cellar. Davyhulme Park Golf Club
After the find, club members and staff discussed what to do. Some suggested turning the cellar into a new feature on the course.
For now, the cellar has been safely sealed. The club is considering how to make it a feature while ensuring player safety. The bottles have been removed for safekeeping and might be displayed in the clubhouse.
Deep Dive & References
2,000-year-old urn Research on oldest liquid wine - Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2024
