Star Chamber Cave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Star Chamber Cave |
|
|---|---|
.JPG) |
|
| Entrances | 2 |
| List of entrances |
via King's Lines or Hanover Battery |
| Access | by arrangement |
Star Chamber Cave is a natural cave made of limestone in Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a small British territory located at the southern tip of Spain. This special cave became very important in the 1780s. It was the central part of a huge system of tunnels called the Lower Galleries. These tunnels were part of Gibraltar's Northern Defences, which were built to protect the area. Even in 1941, during World War II, the cave was still used by the military. It served as the main office for the King's Regiment Battalion.
Exploring Star Chamber Cave
Star Chamber Cave is a natural limestone cave found inside the famous Rock of Gibraltar. It became a key part of the Northern Defences system. This system was a network of tunnels and fortifications. The cave is right in the middle of a tunnel system known as the Lower Galleries.
Visiting the Tunnels
Unlike the Upper Galleries, the Lower Galleries are not a regular tourist attraction. However, you can visit them if you arrange it beforehand. The main way to get into these tunnels is through the Hanover Battery. To reach Star Chamber Cave, you must travel through the Hanover and King's Galleries. These tunnels were built between 1787 and 1789.
You could also reach Star Chamber Cave from the King's Lines fortification. This cave was truly at the heart of the tunnel-building efforts in the 1700s. The Soldier Artificer Company worked on these tunnels. This group later became the famous Royal Engineers.
The Cave During World War II
.JPG)
During World War II, the tunnels and Star Chamber Cave were still used by the military. Brick buildings were even built inside the cave and the connecting tunnels. A sign on the wall of the cave shows its importance. It records that in 1941, this cave was the main office for the King's Regiment Battalion.
