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Discovery of the Cave
The cave was discovered by accident in August of 1742 by workmen erecting a bench in a
butter market in the Mercat House, which has since been demolished.
A millstone was found in the ground, which when lifted disclosed a vertical,
well-like shaft, about 2 feet (0.6 m) diameter and 16 feet (4.8 m) deep.
Toeholds had been cut in the chalk on opposite sides to form steps.
A small boy was "volunteered" to make the first descent. It was found that
the cave was more than half filled with earth and "debris".
Present day visitors to the cave will notice that the dome of the cave has been
bricked over and that there is a grille, in the pavement above, through which light
penetrates. When the cave was discovered, however, the dome above was complete and
partly tiled. It was said to have been within a foot (30 cm) of the surface of the
road. Also noted was the existence of what is now called the East Shaft, an opening
then almost closed by several courses of clunch blocks painted red to look like bricks.
Only two and in some places three courses now remain. It is believed to have been an
air vent.
In the expectation of finding buried treasure the shaft was enlarged and the cave was
emptied quickly, uncovering the carvings in the lower part of the chamber. There was no
scientific archaeological investigation made at the time but according to the Rev. G.
North who visited the cave shortly after its discovery the contents included, apart from
earth, some decayed bones and a skull, fragments of a small drinking cup and a small
unmarked piece of brass. The millstone, which covered the entrance, is now in two pieces,
one forming the last step of the present entrance, the other lying alongside. The original
entrance is closed and now lies under the road.
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