A HEREFORDSHIRE country house hotel has found a wartime secret under its floorboards.

Owners of the seventeenth century Glewstone Court country house hotel, in Ross-on-Wye, have found a hidden chamber under floorboards in one of its rooms.

Ledbury Reporter: An air raid shelter was found in Glewstone Court country house. Picture: Glewstone Court An air raid shelter was found in Glewstone Court country house. Picture: Glewstone Court

The floors of the listed building, which was built for wealth landowner Charles Ballinger, were being restored by Exquisite Woods Ltd when the surprise discovery was made in the morning room.

Ledbury Reporter: It was discovered in the morning room under the floorboards. Picture: Glewstone Court It was discovered in the morning room under the floorboards. Picture: Glewstone Court

Gary and Karen Homewood said guests have talked of their time as evacuees at the house during the Second World War.

Ledbury Reporter: Owners Gary and Karen Homewood plan to explore its history. Picture: Glewstone Court Owners Gary and Karen Homewood plan to explore its history. Picture: Glewstone Court

Mr Homewood said: "We were absolutely delighted to finally discover the infamous 'air-raid' shelter which had been a topic of conversation since we arrived at Glewstone Court eight years ago.

Ledbury Reporter: The shelter was built under the country house.The shelter was built under the country house.

"We will, in the coming months, explore it further and hopefully unveil some clues as to its era, purpose and use.

Ledbury Reporter: The air-raid shelter was used in the Second World War. Picture: Glewstone Court The air-raid shelter was used in the Second World War. Picture: Glewstone Court

"Obviously, we would welcome any expert views and opinions."