Downing College has unearthed an underground burial vault built over 200 years ago for the College’s first Professor of Medicine, Sir Busick Harwood.

The College is undertaking underground investigations to evaluate the structural integrity of the brick-built vault, which is located in a corner of the College grounds now known as the Paddock.

The excavation has involved digging down by the vault’s side walls and using cameras to view the interior of the vault.

The College said that, although the vault’s interior appears “remarkably well-preserved,” the groundworks are “necessary to ensure the long-term preservation of the structure,” as the Paddock is exposed to vehicle traffic during events such as the Downing May Ball.

Before the recent investigations, understanding of the vault’s design and construction was limited, as no detailed drawings or plans had survived.

Due to the sensitive nature of the burial vault, the Reverend Dr Keith Eyeons, Downing chaplain, has been involved at every stage of the works.

The Reverend Dr Eyeons said: “It has been fascinating to watch Downing’s earliest religious structure being uncovered. We think that no one has seen inside it for two centuries, so it is very exciting to rediscover this important part of our history.”

He added: “I was astonished when I got my first glimpse inside and saw that it was dry and tidy and well preserved, showing the great skill of the people who made it.”

The only records of the vault in the Downing Archive are letters from the College’s original architect, William Wilkins, to the master, William Frere, providing updates on plans for the vault.

The investigations have confirmed the layout described in the architect’s letters, with nine “catacombs” intended for other Downing fellows, although only Harwood was buried there.

Named in the College’s founding charter in 1800, Sir Busick Harwood was one of only five Professors and Fellows of the new College. He and his wife also became Downing’s first residents when they moved into East Lodge in 1811.

Harwood confirmed in his will that he wished to be buried on the site of the planned College chapel in the yet-to-be-built South Range, between the Master’s Lodge and the Dining Hall. Although his body was interred there in 1814 in accordance with his wishes, the South Range was never constructed. The College chapel was instead built over a century later in the North Range.

College archivist Jenny Ulph said: “This is an exciting opportunity to find out more about the vault, which has been somewhat mysterious until now. It is remarkable the vault has survived so well for 210 years.

“It is a significant part of Downing’s history and the final resting place of one of the founding members of the College’s governing body. These investigations will help to ensure that it continues to be safely preserved for the future,” she continued.