Lavington's Hole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lavington's Hole |
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| Shropshire, England | |
The Hermitage Caves near the hole
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| Type | Tunnel |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| In use | April 1646 |
| Events | English Civil War |
Lavington's Hole is an old tunnel found in the town of Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England. It was dug during the English Civil War. Near the tunnel are several caves called the Hermitage Caves. These caves were dug out a long time ago, during the Saxon era. Some say they were made by Alfred the Great's grandson.
A Secret Tunnel from the Civil War
Lavington's Hole is a special tunnel from the English Civil War. This war was fought in England between 1642 and 1651. It was a big fight between two sides: the Parliamentarians (also called "Roundheads") and the Royalists (also called "Cavaliers"). The Royalists supported King Charles I, while the Parliamentarians wanted Parliament to have more power.
Digging Under the Castle
In April 1646, the town of Bridgnorth was under attack. Colonel Lavington was a leader on the Parliamentarian side. He and his team of soldiers had a secret plan. They started digging a long tunnel. Their goal was to go under Castle Hill, where Bridgnorth Castle stood.
The tunnel was meant to reach the church nearby. Colonel Lavington knew that the Royalist soldiers had stored gunpowder in the church. He hoped to blow up the church and the castle. This would help his side win the battle for Bridgnorth.
Why the Tunnel Was Never Finished
Colonel Lavington's team dug about seventy meters (that's like 230 feet!) underground. But they never finished the tunnel. The Royalists in Bridgnorth surrendered on April 26, 1646. This meant the war in that area was over. So, there was no need to blow up the church or the castle anymore.
Today, Lavington's Hole is still there. However, it is considered unsafe to enter the tunnel. The caves around it are also not safe for visitors. It remains a cool reminder of a secret plan from the English Civil War.
