September 23rd 2024.
Imagine looking down on a carpark in Bromley and seeing something truly extraordinary hidden beneath it. This is the case for the Chislehurst Caves, a 22-mile network of manmade tunnels that lie just outside of London. Despite their impressive size and history, many people are unaware of their existence.
These caves, located in the south east borough of Bromley, were originally chalk and flint mines that date back hundreds of years. However, their use changed over time. In the early 1900s, the mining ceased and the caves were opened up for public tours. During World War One, they were used as a storage facility for munitions, and in the 1920s and 30s, they were used to grow mushrooms. But it was during World War Two that the caves truly played a crucial role. As the city of London was being bombed, the caves provided shelter for over 15,000 people.
In more recent years, the caves have also served as a venue for musicians, with famous names like David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix performing in their tunnels. It's uncertain exactly how old the caves are, though some believed they may have been created by the Druids, Romans, and Saxons. However, this theory has been disputed and it's now believed that the caves were most active and developed in the 18th and 19th century.
The earliest evidence of the caves' existence is mentioned in a 9th century charter, which also references the lime burning kilns that were used to process the chalk mined there. The first documented evidence of a chalk mine is from 1737, and it's thought that the caves were most active during the 18th and 19th century. They were eventually closed in the 1860s, after being used to produce lime for many years.
During World War Two, the caves were transformed into a makeshift shelter for Londoners seeking refuge from the bombings. The caves were equipped with electricity, a hospital, canteens, and even a cinema. For a small fee, people could stay in what was known as the "Chislehurst Hotel" each night. Regulars would often claim their own spot in the caves and make it their own, while occasional visitors took whatever space was left. However, with so many people sheltering in the caves, facilities like toilets became overwhelmed. To address this issue, guests were asked to bring their own containers for using the restroom at night. But this led to other problems, like people accidentally knocking over the containers in the dark. One woman even gave birth in the caves and named her daughter "Cavena" at the suggestion of the midwife.
Aside from its important role during the war, the Chislehurst Caves have also been a popular music venue from the 1950s to the 1980s. Artists like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones have all performed there. The caves have also been featured on TV and in films, including an episode of Doctor Who and a series called Seven Natural Wonders.
Today, the caves are open to the public for lamp-lit guided tours. These tours depart every hour and last for about 45-50 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the tour. The caves are open Wednesdays to Sundays, as well as on Bank Holidays and during local school holidays. Visitors can also rent the caves for special events.
So, if you're looking for a unique and fascinating experience, be sure to visit the Chislehurst Caves. Who knows what hidden wonders and secrets you may uncover in this underground network.
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