Vast man-made cave network under London and Kent was once home to thousands of people

A-view-inside-one-of-the-tunnels
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Ammodramus/Public Domain))


A vast network of caves, spanning over 22 miles is concealed beneath a car park in one of the world's busiest cities. These caves are not natural formations but were astonishingly carved out by humans over centuries, with origins dating back to the Romans and Saxons around 500AD, and possibly even earlier according to local folklore.

Standing above these caves, you'd never guess what lies beneath your feet amidst the suburbs of the London-Kent border. Chislehurst Caves, as they're known, have a rich history, having served as a chalk mine and mushroom farm before their 100ft deep vaults were deemed perfect for those seeking shelter from the devastation of World War Two, reports The Mirror.

When the Luftwaffe began their bombing campaign, thousands sought refuge in their nearest Underground station or made their way to Chislehurst. By the time the bombs started falling, an enormous effort had been made to clean the caves, install a hospital, electricity, hundreds of beds, multiple canteens and even a cinema, effectively creating an underground city.

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During the Blitz, the caves would open to the public at 7pm each evening, providing sanctuary as night fell. Adults were charged sixpence a week and children thruppence to stay in what was affectionately referred to as the Chislehurst Hotel. Occasional visitors had to find any available space, while regulars claimed their own spots, personalising them as much as possible.

People inside Chislehurst Caves
People inside Chislehurst Caves

During the war, the Caves in London served as a shelter for tens of thousands of residents. A girl was even born within these walls and was named Cavena Wakeman, as suggested by the midwife.

The issue of managing waste from the nightly influx of people overwhelmed the available toilets, leading to guests having to bring their own containers for after-dark emergencies.

"Thousands of buckets in the pitch black. Can you imagine the chaos? " commented a tour guide.

Historical records dating back to the 13th century mention the caves being used for mining lime-burning chalk and flint. The discovery of a prehistoric skeleton in the ceiling suggests that the caves date back to 10,000 BC, when they were used as a refuge during the Ice Age.

In the early 20th century, tourism in the area increased as rumours spread about the ancient history of the caves - a theory promoted by William Nichols, vice president of the British Archaeological Association at the time.

Journalist Milo Boyd, who took a guided tour, said: "When I visited, our guide keenly counted everyone in and out of the tunnels, having handed each of us an oil lantern in case we managed to wander off the path. Over the years dogs have been taken down to find those lost in the caverns."

During their more recent use post-war as a rock and rave venue, where the likes of Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix performed, it wasn't unusual for party-goers to wake up deep within the caves after having one too many drinks.

The behaviour of these revellers, who would emerge onto residential streets at 3am after a night underground, led to Chislehurst Caves being shut down as a music hall in the early 80s. However, this didn't completely stop the fun.

One morning, guides found wall lamps missing from the tunnels. Further investigation revealed that a group of teenage dirt bikers had broken in overnight and used the lights to create a track through the darkness.

Milo shared his experience, saying: "It struck me, as I walked deeper and deeper into the network, the warmth of an early September day replaced by a damp chill, that you would have to be an adrenaline fuelled teenager to venture into the caves alone at night".

He added: "At one point our guide struck a huge gong, causing a horrifying cacophony to bounce round and round the tunnels, making clear how far the maze sprawled. We moved on to an underground lake where, spooky rumour has it, a strange, perhaps ghoulishly shaped misty vapour has a habit of appearing to lone adventurers."

These caves were not just a playground for adventurous teens, but also served as a sanctuary for families during the Blitz. The entire cave system was plunged into darkness at 10pm each night.

But, if you're curious about how children managed their fear, bear in mind that in London during the Blitz, sleep was as precious as any other commodity.

Securing a spot in the Chislehurst Caves would have ensured your safety throughout the night. You would be protected from the 30,000 tonnes of explosives that fell on Britain over an eight-month span, finally allowing you to sleep peacefully after numerous nights of fear and uncertainty, wondering if a bomb was about to pierce your roof.

Tickets for the Chislehurst Caves can be bought at the entrance, but due to limited group sizes, it is advised to book ahead online. Tickets are priced at £8 each, with discounts for children and seniors at £6, and under 3s at just 1p.