Northumberland features in new BBC series 'Villages by the Sea'

In the series archaeologist Ben Robinson vists the English coast revealing how some of the best loved villages played a vital part in significant moments of our nations history.

The first episode Ben visit the seaside town of Bamburgh, Northumberland. In the episode archaeologist Ben Robinson uncovers a well that could be connected to a Christian Saint.

Historians has been searching for 10 years to find the a lost underground structure mentioned in 17th century documents. Could this also be the missing medieval “Aidan’s Well” dedicated to the revered Christian Saint.

In Bamburgh Ben is joined by village historian Carol Griffiths for the ending of the decade long quest to find the long-lost well.

Ben said: "It was exciting to be involved with this discovery. It shows the sort of secrets that can be revealed in village back yards - sometimes things are hidden almost in plain sight.

“The well had been exposed during building works, but I don't think its significance was recognised, so it was covered up and made safe. Up until the 1950s most villages had several wells, but this is an exceptionally grand one and wouldn't be out of place in a castle or monastery.

"Further investigation is required, but it’s intriguing to think that Carol has pinned down this famous, lost feature of Bamburgh life".

Villages by the Sea has been produced for BBC Two by Purple Productions, part of Objective Media Group. The first episode aired on Monday,November 8 at 7pm on BBC Two. If you miss it you can catch up via the BBC iPlayer.