A 45ft well, once used to water one of Britain's finest collections of rare plants, has been found in the basement of Finchley's Avenue House.

The Victorian mansion's new trustee, Avenue House Estate Management (AHEM), was trying to solve the labyrinthine basement's damp problem when workmen pulled up a manhole cover and found the well.

Inside was a rusting pump system, which trustees believe feeds a large underground tank from which fresh water was drawn by servants more than 100 years ago.

Another nine wells have also been uncovered around the house in East End Road, with many more in the grounds.

Manager Janett Durrant believes they were built by owner Henry C 'Inky' Stephens to water his collection of rare trees and plants, which includes fine examples of Hungarian Oak, Liquid Amber tree and Judas tree.

Extensive landscaping on the gardens is believed to have been carried out in the 1880s, creating jobs for Finchley's unemployed.

Workmen have also uncovered a bricked-up escape tunnel running from the basement to the grounds.

It is not known who built the tunnel but the building was used by military intelligence in the First World War.

AHEM has had to stop much of its repair work due to a lack of funds.

Barnet Council, the previous trustee of Avenue House, has so far given the trust only £30,000 towards an estimated £5m of repair work the new trustees say is required.

AHEM, which manages the estate on behalf of the public, needs to increase its income, either from room hire or through donations.

Ms Durrant said: "We're doing everything we can for the public but they have got to come in and help us."

For bookings or more information, call Avenue House on 020 8346 7812.

January 29, 2003 17:30