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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 a chimney or 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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ROYSTON CAVE