Chislehurst Caves facts for kids
Chislehurst Caves are a huge network of tunnels and caves in Chislehurst, southeast London, England. They stretch for about 22 miles (35.4 kilometers) underground! These 'caves' aren't natural. People dug them out between the 1200s and 1800s. They were mining for flint and chalk.
Today, Chislehurst Caves are a popular place to visit. Even though they are called caves, they were actually old mines where people dug for chalk and flint. Records show these mines existed as early as the 800s. They were likely last used for mining in the 1830s.
During World War I, the caves were used to store ammunition. This was for the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. In the 1930s, people even grew mushrooms in the tunnels!
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A Safe Place During World War II
When London was heavily bombed during World War II (this was called the Blitz), the caves became a huge air-raid shelter. This started in September 1940. Soon, they turned into an underground city! Up to 15,000 people could stay there. Each person paid a small fee to enter.
The tunnels were made comfortable for everyone. They had electric lights, toilets, and washing areas. A small chapel was built, and there was even a hospital. Many people came to the caves from Chislehurst railway station. The shelter officially closed shortly after VE Day. One child was born in the caves during this time.
Old Stories and History
In 1903, a man named William Nichols had a theory. He thought the mines were made by ancient groups like the Druids, Romans, and Saxons. This idea led to different parts of the caves being named after these groups. Tour guides would even point out places they thought were Druid altars. However, this theory is mostly based on Dr. Nichols' writings.
The earliest clear record of a chalk cave here is from 1737. But, as mentioned, earlier records from the 800s talk about mines and kilns above ground. Between 1830 and the 1860s, the caves were used to make lime. Old maps from the 1860s show the area as a "chalk pit" with an "engine house" and kilns.
Chislehurst Caves on Screen
The caves have been featured in many TV shows and movies. They appeared in episodes of the classic show Doctor Who in 1972. They were also shown in an episode of Seven Natural Wonders as one of London's amazing places.
You might have seen the caves in films like Beat Girl, The Tribe, and Inseminoid. They've also been used in music videos for famous metal bands like Iron Maiden and Cradle of Filth. The caves even appeared in two episodes of the TV show Most Haunted. A book called The Ghosts of Chislehurst Caves was published in 2011, sharing stories of hauntings from guides and owners.
A Place for Music
In the 1960s, Chislehurst Caves became a popular place for rock music concerts. Many famous bands played there!
- David Bowie performed there four times between 1962 and 1966.
- Pink Floyd played a show there in December 1967.
- Jimi Hendrix played there twice in 1966 and 1967.
- The Yardbirds performed in July 1966.
- Eric Burdon & The Animals played in October 1967.
- The Herd played in February 1968.
Other legendary bands like the Rolling Stones, Status Quo, Pretty Things, and the Troggs are also said to have played in the caves. Jazz musicians like Acker Bilk and Humphrey Lyttelton also performed there.
In 1974, the famous band Led Zeppelin held a big party in the caves. This was to celebrate their new record company, Swan Song Records. Radio station Radio Caroline also hosted Saturday night gigs there. DJs like Dave Lee Travis and Johnnie Walker would bring in music acts.
The last major concert in the caves was in January 1981. After that, the music events slowly stopped. The very last band to perform there was The Rock & Roll Gypsies in January 2001.
