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Right guys, this may cause a bit of controversy as it did on another UE Forum (Got Deleted) due to the fact that its not strictly speaking an explore BUT I liked it and wanted to share it among you my friends because I think its bloody amazing so hopefully I wont have offended anyone 
So heres a little history on the place in question
The grotto was discovered in 1835 by James Newlove, who broke through into its roof while digging a duck-pond. It was illuminated by gas lamps and opened to the public in 1838, and has remained in private ownership ever since.
The age of the structure is uncertain and attempts to use radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the site have failed. Carbon deposits from Victorian lamps which were used to illuminate the grotto in the 1800s have entered the shells. Some of the mortar has so far defied analysis and all that scientists can ascertain is that it is fish-based. Mortar analysed from the easily accessible panels has been shown to represent a variety of mixtures, all dating from post 1796. It is a recorded fact, however, that souvenir hunters regularly removed shells from these panels in the nineteenth century and that they had to be replaced. This explains the results of these analyses. Indeed there is evidence for a great deal of intervention in the site: a new archway was added in the nineteenth century and certain sections (such as the so-called 'altar' panel and niche) have been dismantled and then restored since the discovery, as well as the original flooring having been removed.
The Victorian gas lighting has blackened the fragile surface of the once-colourful shells, which are also under attack from water penetration. It is now illuminated by electricity. During World War II the east wall of the so-called altar chamber was destroyed by a bomb.
And Some Pics
Well worth a look if ever youre in the area and more than worth the £3 it cost to get in
:beer:
So heres a little history on the place in question
The grotto was discovered in 1835 by James Newlove, who broke through into its roof while digging a duck-pond. It was illuminated by gas lamps and opened to the public in 1838, and has remained in private ownership ever since.
The age of the structure is uncertain and attempts to use radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the site have failed. Carbon deposits from Victorian lamps which were used to illuminate the grotto in the 1800s have entered the shells. Some of the mortar has so far defied analysis and all that scientists can ascertain is that it is fish-based. Mortar analysed from the easily accessible panels has been shown to represent a variety of mixtures, all dating from post 1796. It is a recorded fact, however, that souvenir hunters regularly removed shells from these panels in the nineteenth century and that they had to be replaced. This explains the results of these analyses. Indeed there is evidence for a great deal of intervention in the site: a new archway was added in the nineteenth century and certain sections (such as the so-called 'altar' panel and niche) have been dismantled and then restored since the discovery, as well as the original flooring having been removed.
The Victorian gas lighting has blackened the fragile surface of the once-colourful shells, which are also under attack from water penetration. It is now illuminated by electricity. During World War II the east wall of the so-called altar chamber was destroyed by a bomb.
And Some Pics
Well worth a look if ever youre in the area and more than worth the £3 it cost to get in
:beer:
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