Chislehurst Caves

Chislehurst Caves Tour - Wednesday 11th June 2014

A warm, sunny day for a BBLHS outing, and we go underground! Around a dozen members turned up for an hour's stroll around the Chislehurst Caves under the skilled leadership of Brian Williamson, one of our Members and fortunately a qualified Cave guide.

Although many myths exist as to the Caves origin and use, it is generally accepted that they were first mined for chalk and flints in the early part of the Middle Ages and then on into the C19th, and the story invented by a reputable archaeologist in 1903 involving Saxons, Romans and Druids is just that, a story. However, it adds interest to the Caves as a tourist attraction even though its real history as a mine, a mushroom farm, an arsenal and, of course, as a WW2 refuge is actually much more interesting, at least to us!

Click on an image below to see a larger version - you can then move forward or back using the arrows on either side.

The map shows the extent of the works which appear to have been created in three main phases, identified by the fanciful names.

Part of the "Romans" is used by a separate organisation, Labyrinthe, who use the Caves for Live Role Play, so for those who usually do such things on their home computer, this offers a "real life" experience.
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Entry is via "Saxons" and although the Caves are pretty flat, at Druids they ar 150 feet below the surface.

A typical part of the Caves although many floors are still just the rough chalk and, with low roofs in some places, it can get quite tricky.
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Confirming the aquatic origin of the chalk, one cave shows the outline of an ammonite, about three feet across.
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Much of the decoration found in the Cave relates to the Second World War. A plaque commemorating the role of the Caves during the Blitz is situated at the entrance.
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Inside can be found the Rules board with many references to "pitches" which were the individually allocated small section of the cave for families. With up to 15,000 people sheltering at one time, a considerable measure of discipline and control was essential.
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Round many parts of the Caves, small painted codes indicate the position of a "pitch" where, typically, a 3 tier bunk would be placed. With the sloping walls of the Caves and often bunks on either side, movement through the passageways could be very restricted.
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The non-denominational church, constructed by wartime "residents".
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The hospital, although the latter became just a first-aid station. The figures you can in this and the previous pictures are not original!
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The stage area.
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The wartime ladies loo has been decorated with an artist's impression of Druidical practices, perhaps based on The Wicker Man!
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A number of graffito can be found around the caves, again mostly made during WW2.

Our thanks to Brian Williamson for his entertaining and informative guidance.
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