On the outskirts of London Beneath an inconspicuous car park hides an astounding 22-mile cave system that remains unknown to many.
The Chislehurst Caves located in the southeastern district of Bromley were completely created by humans, originally functioning as chalk and flint mines several centuries back.
The mining activities ceased in the 1900s, after which the maze-like network was made accessible to visitors for guided tours.
In World War One, it served as a site for storing ammunition. Later, during the 1920s and '30s, mushrooms were cultivated there. During World War Two, when the capital endured bombing raids known as the Blitz, this location transformed into an enormous bomb shelter, protecting approximately 15,000 individuals. German bombing.
In recent times, it has welcomed famous musicians, including David Bowie, who performed within its tunnels.
What is the age of these caves?
The precise age of these caves remains uncertain. In the early 1900s, William Nichols, who was the vice president of the British Archaeological Association at the time, proposed that they might have been constructed by the Druids, Romans, and Saxons.
This assertion has since been challenged and is now considered improbable.
The first reference to the mines, along with the lime-burningkilns that utilized chalk, appears in an 9th-century charter. These were noted once more in 1232.
In the meantime, the oldest recorded proof of a chalk mine dates back to 1737, and it is believed that the caves were predominantly used and expanded during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In their last decades of operation, the caves were utilized for lime production, eventually shutting down sometime around the 1860s.
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During World War II, Chislehurst Caves underwent significant use.
During the Blitz when London faced attacks, the caves underwent cleaning and were equipped with amenities such as electricity, a hospital facility, numerous beds, multiple canteens, and even a cinema.
Each evening at 7 pm, the caves were opened for visitors, where adults paid sixpence and children paid threepence weekly to reside in what became known as the Chislehurst Hotel.
Frequent patrons often had their favorite spots which they'd decorate as much as possible, whereas those who visited infrequently settled for whatever space remained available.
As thousands took refuge in the caves amid the bombings, the toilet facilities frequently got overstretched.
To address the problem, attendees were requested to use personal containers during nighttime visits. However, this solution introduced new issues like accidental knockovers after the lights had been turned off.
A single mother bore her child within the caverns, and following the advice of the attending midwife, she christened the baby Cavena.
Which musicians performed at the caves?
From the 1950s through the 1980s, Chislehurst Caves served as a renowned music venue. The iconic guitarist Jimi Hendrix took the stage there two occasions, and David Bowie graced the location with his presence four times.
According to HistoryHit.com, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones have also organized performances within the caves, while Led Zeppelin hosted a record release event there.
The venue was likewise rented out for various non-musical occasions like birthdays.
Has television and film showcased these caves?
The caves have been showcased in television and movies. In 1972, they appeared in an episode of "Doctor Who" called "The Mutants." Additionally, Bill Oddie highlighted them in 2005 as part of the "Seven Natural Wonders" series focused on London’s marvels. The caves also made appearances in two installments of the paranormal investigation program "Most Haunted."
They also show up in British movies like "Beat Girl" (1960), "The Tribe" (1998), and "Inseminoid" (1981).
Is it possible to explore the caves today?
The caves are accessible to the public; however, those wishing to venture inside must participate in lamp-lit guided tours.
Departures occur every hour, with each tour lasting approximately 45-50 minutes. Tickets can be reserved online or purchased on the same day at the ticket office.
The caves are accessible from Wednesday through Sunday, as well as on Bank Holidays (excluding Christmas and New Year), and they are open daily during this time. local school holidays .
Tickets cost £8 for regular adult entry and £6 for seniors aged 60 plus as well as children between 3 and 15 years old. Children under 3 enter for free.
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The caves can also be rented out for events.
Visit chislehurst-caves.co.uk for more information.
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