Exterior Drain with a bar running through it? All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[alexleigh]

Hi Guys,
I have an exterior drain on a house I have recently bought that was full of silt. I lifted the cover and cleared all the sludge away. I am left with what looks like a brick surround with a thin bar running through it. It doesn't look like a drain at all? It has no pipes running into it. Any ideas what this is? It doesn't overflow so I guess water must be escaping somewhere?
Many thanks
Alex

[Max G]

Im not a plumber but I am assuming that is some sort of drain or manhole, is that bar a handle to lift cover off? Try clearing around edges to free it for inspection? could be completely wrong though. cheers

[alexleigh]

Hi Max,
Thanks for the reply. The bar seems to run into the brickwork so it isn't a handle. It was a good idea though!
Cheers
Alex