After the good progress of the first day, the excitement continued. A delivery of bricks, sand, cement and gravel arrived nice and early.
The work to build the interior walls began immediately.
Meanwhile, Luís began to excavate the drain catch pot and could finally verify that the pipework can really be connected. This element of the work had been in question from the beginning.
The entry and exit pipes were identified and it became apparent that the new pipe had to be connected a bit higher than we expected because the pot is not as deep as we first thought. After lifting the cap on the pot we could see that the drain appears to be very clean and efficient which is good news. Obviously, it is a bad idea to have drainage pipes running 'uphill' so the only option was to cut a channel into the huge granite threshold stone in the doorway. I had originally planned to route the pipes beneath. Unperturbed by this, Luís simply took on the task and after about 30 minutes had broken out a suitable slot through the stone.
The external part of the drain could now be set and sealed, then the ground reinstated to make access in and out of the dungeon a bit easier and safer.
In the image above you can also see the ancient iron mains water pipe which I established was still live and under pressure. This has probably been unused for decades and is no doubt extremely rusty inside.
The channel cut into the granite stone was cemented up, rather unsightly but we intend to place a smooth granite slab on top so that the new door can be fitted with ease.
Finally, Luís fitted some concrete collar blocks and a nice new lid to allow for access in the future.
All through the day a steady stream of wheelbarrows full of cement was ferried into the room as the internal brick walls were being built. Here we are a short while after lunchtime.
And at the end of the day, Janet's pantry enclosed and almost ready for me to start the work inside there.
