Covering 22 miles (35.4km), the tunnels found in Chislehurst in South East London, England.
The origins of the tunnel network is unknown but it is theorised that the initial mines were made by Romans, Saxons and Druids. This is supported by the first written recording of the mine coming from a 9th-century Saxon charter. While initially it was used for chalk and lime-burning pits the caves were used between 1830 and the 1860s for producing lime.
Most famously the entirely man-made cave network was used as an air raid shelter. This became home nightly to 5,000 people, but was capable of housing up to 15,000 at any one time. It contained washing facilities, toilets, a hospital and even a functioning chapel. Prior to this the network was used as an ammunition dump in the First World War and also for cultivating mushrooms. It was these very same mushroom farmers that ran the shelter from September 1940 until VE Day on a voluntary basis.
Much like any ancient and historically rich setting, Chiselhurst caves has its fair share of horror stories and haunting. Folktales and strange occurrences and plentiful within the vast subterranean tunnel network. The cave system itself prior to lockdown had guided tours, which have been suspended due to the pandemic. When the caves are open to the public you can walk a 45-50 minute journey. The sheer size of the tunnels themselves is imposing as it is captivating.
I visited the caves back in October 2019 for a dose of fright tourism. Having not attended an event like this for many years I was not sure what to expect. The Halloween tour consisted of an hour long, lamp lit tour through the tunnels while being told stories of the various supernatural occurrences, disappearances and murders that have taken place within the cave system. Regretfully no photographs could be taken as photography is forbidden within the caves themselves. Throughout the journey the party was stalked and verbally tainted by actors dressed in simple but effective costumes. The use of spot lights, smoke and strobe lighting was perfect.
Chislehurst caves are more than imposing and creepy in their own right. While the costumes were cheap and the horror ranged from historical ghost stories to modern day cinematic references, such as Halloween and The Ring, it all sat comfortably within the campy festive celebration of the tunnels history and Halloween itself. The touring party I was accompanied by as well as my fiancée, jumped a plenty, screamed and I’m sure all were a little unnerved by the stories that were told. Ritual sacrifice, murder and accidental death are said to be the sources of the various haunting and lingering malevolence present in the caves.
Many visitors have claimed to hear drilling, footsteps and even horses whinnying throughout various points in the cave system. Yet the most chilling supernatural haunting that sticks in peoples minds is the Haunted Pool. By far one of the strangest sights within the cave, the pool lies within the middle of a cave system that is entirely dry. It is said that before the pool was filled it was a well that ran 30 metres deep. Once a man drowned his wife in the well and ever since there have been strange and horrific occurrences.
In the 1950’s the owner of the Chislehurst Caves posed a challenge, wagering a prize of £5 to anyone who could spend the night. Once closed to the public a guide walked the daring individual to the pool and left a trail of flour back to the entrance, while the risk taker was left with nothing but some candles. Only one local policeman was ever successful. Unable to sleep he carved a horse into the chalk while he heard an array of haunting noises throughout the cave behind him. He was so terrified after his ordeal that he had to be escorted out and could never set foot within the caves again.
The last attempt at the challenge took place on Halloween in 1985. Two friends sat by the pool and were not allowed to communicate with one another. They were given neither torches or candles and had to sit in complete darkness. During the night one heard his friend scream and ran to him to assist. He found his friend unconscious and his shoulder had been dislocated. Once awake the victim had no memory of what had happened or how he had sustained the injury. After this the challenge was stopped due to the “malevolence” within the caves.
Over the years I have visited numerous caves throughout the British Isles, but none are quite like Chislehurst caves. While within them you lose all sense of direction and time. Despite their man made origins they are a perfect juxtaposition of historic fact, mythology and deep speculation. I wasn’t prepared for the caves haunting beauty. To witness the grandeur is worth the ticket price alone. While there are many magnificent caves across the UK, none have the unique span of history and supernatural richness that Chislehurst Caves possesses. Thankfully those that work within know this and do their best to keep the tales alive.
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