Chislehurst Caves

• Chislehurst Caves are located in Chislehurst, 7 miles (11km) southwest of Crayford on Watling Street.
• The Caves are an Ancient man made Chalk Mine that was created by tunneling for chalk and flint. The Romans continued mining for chalk during the 367 years of Roman Occupation.

History

• The Mines are Pre-Roman, but continued to be excavated by the Romans. The Roman Carts have left their shaft hub marks along the linings of the Tunnels. The width of some of the tunnels is the gauge of the Roman cart wheels.
• Chalk is an ingredient in the making of Quicklime for use in Mortar for constructing buildings.
• During WW II, they were used as an air raid shelter by 15,000 people every night, because the air remains fresh in the caves.

Visiting the Caves

• Chislehurst Caves

Roman Roads

• Watling Street
  • Richborough–Canterbury–London

Nearby Sites

• Eynsford (Roman villa)
• Orpington (Roman villa)
• Aylesford (Megalith: ‘Kit’s Coty House’)

Chislehurst Caves