Dorking Caves facts for kids
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The Dorking Caves are a cool network of tunnels. They were dug by people a long time ago. You can find them under the town of Dorking in Surrey, England. These tunnels are made in soft sandstone rock.
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Dorking Caves: Exploring Underground Tunnels
Where Are the Dorking Caves?
The main entrance to the Dorking Caves is on South Street. This street is right in the middle of Dorking town. Long ago, there were other ways to get in. Some were shafts, like deep holes. But now, only the South Street entrance is open. All the other old entrances are sealed up.
What Do the Caves Look Like Inside?
The caves have different levels. The top part was once a wine cellar. People stored wine there until the 1800s. In the middle of this upper level, you'll find steps. These steps lead down to a landing. From there, more steps go to a lower passage. At the very end of this lower passage is a round room. This room even has a bench carved right out of the rock!
The Secret History of Dorking's Tunnels
The Dorking 'caves' are actually tunnels. This means people made them, they are not natural caves. But everyone still calls them Dorking Caves. This name is used in all official information about them.
How Old Are These Tunnels?
No one knows exactly how old the tunnels are. A historian named John Aubrey wrote about them in the late 1600s. He said they were great for storing wine. Parts of them were used as wine cellars until the 1800s. You can see lots of old drawings and names carved into the walls. Most of these are from the 1700s and 1800s. The oldest date found carved on a wall is 1672.
What Were the Tunnels Used For?
The tunnels once connected the cellars of different buildings in town. They were probably first used for storage. But they had many other uses too! Some people used them to hide secret items. Other tunnels were used by groups that met in secret. Some stories even say that people seeking shelter for their beliefs used them as hiding places.
How Can You Visit the Dorking Caves?
You can visit the Dorking Caves during the summer. The Dorking Museum organizes special tours. Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, officially opened the caves to the public again. This happened when he visited the town on March 11, 2015.
