Repair team discovers 14th century cave at Guildford
NETWORK Rail staff repairing landslip damage near Guildford in early-April uncovered a small man-made cave, thought to date from the 14th century.
Archaeologists believe the sandstone cave may once have been part of a much larger network, possibly a medieval shrine or hermitage associated with the early 14th century chapel of St Catherine, the ruins of which are situated on a hill nearby.
It may even have earlier origins as a site of cult activity, because of its pre-14th century name of Drakehill – ‘Hill of the Dragon’.
However, the rest of the cave is likely to have been lost when the railway cutting was excavated in the 1840s.
Experts have also found evidence of writing and other markings across the cave ceiling as well as deposits of black dust, believed to be soot from lamps, and the remains of two suspected fire-pits in the cave floor.
Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “This is an unexpected and fascinating discovery that helps to visualise and understand the rich history of the area.
“A full and detailed record of the cave has been made and every effort will be made to preserve elements where possible during the regrading of the delicate and vulnerable sandstone cutting.”
■ Between April 10 and 19, NR undertook the most extensive programme of improvements in the Guildford area since the early-1980s. More than a mile of new track and new conductor rail and 41 track circuits were installed to replace life-expired equipment and increase reliability.