IT WAS one of the most interesting archaeological finds of the time in Oxford for some years after builders uncovered a 12th century vault.

The hidden chamber was found during the demolition of the old Clarendon Hotel in March 1955.

Investigators said the vault, or cellar, had been in continuous use for about 800 years and was immediately beneath the famous 'Clarry Bar' and used up to the closure the previous year.

The curved stone moulding of the entrance archway was removed and taken to the Ashmolean Museum to be preserved.