The drain or culvert is constructed of hand-made bricks. It runs NE-SW and lies at a depth of approximately 1.5m below present ground level. The thickness of the upper section of the drain, which is arched, is 23cm (13 inches). The lower section of the wall is constructed in large faced pieces of sandstone. There don’t seem to be any branches or changes in directions along this section to the NE. To the SW the lower section is only constructed in stone for approximately 2m. The feature could be contemporary with the construction of the coach house or stable block. It is currently full of foul water, and is clearly out of use, but it could once have been a freshwater culvert. If this is the case it could be to do with managing water to the Orangery (constructed in 1725) or various phases of water-features in the gardens. The use of stone in the construction could mean that the brick part of the culvert was built onto an existing, older structure. There is another possibility that the stone may have been reused from elsewhere, or readily available, and made use of in this way. (1)

<1> E. Gillott, 2009, Watching Brief on Works for the Construction of a Disabled Access Ramp at Rufford Abbey, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, P. 11 (Unpublished document). SNT5189.