Exploring Poole’s Cavern
Poole’s Cavern, also known as Poole’s Hole, is a stunning limestone cave on the edge of Buxton, Derbyshire. Formed two million years ago, this natural wonder is part of the Wye system. It has earned a designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Get your dose of History via Email
The Legend of Poole
The cave’s name comes from an outlaw named Poole. In the fifteenth century, he allegedly used the cave as a hideout to rob travelers. Archaeological explorations in the early 1980s suggest the cave has been occupied since the Bronze Age. Some findings hint at the cave’s use for religious purposes by Romano-Britons. Others believe it served as a metal workshop.
A Historic Tourist Attraction
Poole’s Cavern officially opened as a show cave in 1853 by the 6th Duke of Devonshire. However, it was a tourist attraction long before then. Thomas Hobbes listed it as one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak in 1636. Charles Cotton’s poetic essay in 1681 also featured the cavern. Early tour guides often extorted money from visitors by threatening to leave them in darkness.
Royal Visitor
Mary, Queen of Scots, is claimed to have visited Poole’s Cavern. Under the management of Frank Redfern, the entrance was widened. In 1859, a gas lamp system was installed, one of the earliest uses of gas lighting. This system remained until the cave’s closure in 1965. The cavern reopened in 1976.
Visiting Poole’s Cavern Today
Currently, visitors can explore around 310 meters of the cave. Notable chambers include the Roman Chamber, Great Dome, Poached Egg Chamber, and Sculpture Chamber. Highlights include large stalactites and stalagmites like the Flitch of Bacon and Mary Queen of Scots’ Pillar. The porous, “poached egg” colored stalagmites result from minerals leached from lime-burning on Grin Low above. Part of the cavern is accessible to wheelchairs.
The Unexplored Depths
Experts believe the cave system extends further. In 1998, a video camera lowered down a borehole revealed another chamber, named “Seventh Heaven.” This discovery hints at more hidden wonders yet to be explored.
Visitor Amenities
Poole’s Cavern offers a visitor center with a cafe and shop, enhancing the experience for tourists. The site’s rich history and natural beauty make it a fascinating destination for visitors of all ages.
Mixed Opinions
While Thomas Hobbes and Charles Cotton praised Poole’s Cavern, not everyone shared their enthusiasm. Writer Daniel Defoe dismissed the cavern as “another of the wonderless wonders of the Peak.” Despite differing opinions, Poole’s Cavern remains a captivating site with a rich historical and geological significance.
Sources: Wikipedia
Neural Pathways is a collective of seasoned experts and researchers with a profound passion for unraveling the enigmas of ancient history and artifacts. With a wealth of combined experience spanning decades, Neural Pathways has established itself as a leading voice in the realm of archaeological exploration and interpretation.