Chislehurst is home to caves which have been open to the public since the early 20th century, and many of whom have visited the caves have reported sightings of a ghost. 

The caves purposes have developed from storing munitions, to being an air raid shelter for over 150,000 people, and even as a location for the most famous rockstars of the 1960s-70s to perform. Some of the most well known artists/bands to perform on the caves stage included David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. The last person to perform on the stage was Jimi Hendrix. The current purpose of Chislehurst Caves is for tours. 

The experience at Chislehurst caves immerses the visitors in hundreds of years’ worth of history and thrilling theories and stories of the cave from long ago. One theory that was particularly interesting was the one made by an archaeologist; he thought that part of the caves was used by druids for human sacrifices. There is no real evidence for this theory, but it does prove popular to tourists. 

During part of the tour, visitors are taken to see a pool of water, which has been filled in with stones for visitors safety. However, back in the day the water level was quite high- around 15ft deep.

Apparently, a woman named Mary Jane Beckett was found dead in the pool, in the 1800s, murdered by her husband. And it is believed that she is the ghost of a girl that has reported to be seen by many who visit. However, during my visit no one had the fortune of meeting her. 

There used to be a challenge open to the public, where a person would have to spend the night alone by the side of the pool until morning- when they'd recieve a grand prize of five pounds. However very few people completed the challenge, despite many trying. 

Gina Clarkson commented that she found the experience to be 'very educational to people of all ages. I felt shivers as I was standing there due to the atmosphere created.' Andrew Cobb also enjoyed the experience, he said that 'It was really good. The guide was very interesting and he catered for all visitors.'

Other intriguing features of the caves include the markings and carvings on the interior walls, some modern- like the carving done by Sandy Brown in 1995 and some so ancient there exact creation time is unknown. 

There are interactive features to the tour, one being the experience of complete darkness. This is an optional part of the tour where those who accept are left in a part of the cave without lamps- where ones eyes would never adjust to the darkness.

 

Chloe Lewis, Dartford Grammar School for Girls