The Chislehurst Caves are a remarkable series of tunnels under Chislehurst, London. Over 20 miles of dark and mysterious caverns and passageways await you.

Although they are called caves, they were actually dug by hand during the mining of lime and flint. Much of the early history of the caves is uncertain, but it's clear that mining took place for many years.

The first recorded mention of the Chislehurst Caves being used for mining was on a charter from 1250 and local church records mention it in 1737. They are believed to have last been used for mining in the 1830s.

Mining chalk produces lime and flint. Lime is the basis for whitewash and plaster, and flint has various uses in both early hand tools and manufacturing. The British “flintlock” muskets may well have been supplied by the caves.

The caves have three main areas which are designated as Roman, Saxon, and Druid. The names came from early in the 20th century when a member of the British Archaeological Society, William Nichols, theorized that the caves were over 8000 years old and had been dug by Romans, Saxons, and Druids.

He even located what he said was a Druid altar in the caves. Although there seems to be scant evidence to support this theory, the names stuck. The controversy surrounding Nichols’ theory generated more interest in the caves.

Several underground concerts were staged there and dogs were used to locate those visitors who wandered away from the group and became lost in the maze of passageways.

During World War I, a small railway was built in the caves to make them more accessible, and they were used to store ammunition.

After the wartime use was over, the caves were bought by Kent Mushrooms, Ltd. and part of the caves was used for cultivation. The constant temperature and humidity made them an ideal place to grow mushrooms.

The outbreak of World War II saw the caves being pressed into service as the largest public air raid shelter, known as the Chislehurst Hotel. It could house over 15,000 people, and had flushing toilets, electric lights, a chapel, a cinema, a barber, and even a gymnasium and dance floor.

In more recent times, concerts by Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd took place in the caves, and part of “Doctor Who, the Mutants” was also filmed in this network of caves.

Visiting Chislehurst Caves

Address: Old Hill, Bromley, BR7 5NB

Telephone: 020 8467 3264

Opening Times

Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-16:00 (hourly tours) | Closed December 24-28

Pricing

£5 (Adults), £3 (Under 16s & OAPs), Free (Under 5s)

Photo courtesy: Jon's pics

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