Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroom

Tracy and Rory Vorster were surprised to find a hidden trapdoor as they scrubbed their bathroom

A couple scrubbing their toilet discovered a trapdoor concealing what could be a medieval relic.

Tracy and Rory Vorster, from Lincoln, made the discovery on Sunday.

When they removed the wooden panel, it revealed a large slab of stone featuring a carving of the Lincoln Imp.

The Civic Trust said it thought the opening could be part of an "elaborate drain" dating from the mid to late 14th Century.

Experts think the carved stone could be part of a 14th Century drain

Mr Vorster said: "I couldn’t believe it, I shouted up to my wife and said, ‘I’ve found a thing'."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the couple moved in to their property earlier this year.

They said the discovery is an example of why Lincoln is "amazing", adding they are "proud" of their house's history.

Mrs Vorster said: "You look at the outside of the house and that is historical enough but to now find something inside is amazing."

Mr Vorster added: "The whole of the house has kind of a hollow walling, so we immediately thought there could be more. In fact, we’re almost certain now.

"The previous occupant had been here for over 20 years, so surely they knew. But we had absolutely no clue it was there."

The house is located in Vicar's Court, in Minster Yard, close to Lincoln Cathedral.

The area was used by priests in the 13th Century.

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