Post by Dave on Aug 22, 2017 16:49:57 GMT
Brixham’s Answer To Kents Cavern Philp's Cave
I would image most people who read this site have been to Kents Cavern in Torquay at least once in their lifetime. But I wonder how many know that there is a cave network in Brixham that was once open to the public.
Philp's Cave was discovered by Mr. Philp in 1858 and named after him. He was erecting a terrace of houses on ground he bought for this purpose in Mount Pleasant Road. During the works, a pick-axe disappeared into a hole in the ground. The search for the tool revealed an underlying cave. When the cave was entered for the first time, it was completely undisturbed because it was sealed at both ends and thus not accecible for a very long time. How long this time must have been proved the fact, that the stalagmite floor was found to be intact.
The Geological Society of London set up a committee to investigate the cave, leased it from Mr Philp, and conducted a through scientific investigation, which was published. Over 1600 bones, some apparently split for marrow, others gnawed by animals, and 32 flints were found in the 19th century excavations.The cave served as a den for hibernating brown bears, as a den for hyena and cave lion, and as a reliquary for their prey.
I have been unable to find out when the caves were first open to the public; I do know they was closed down in 1977. I have read a number of suggestions as to the reason for the closure, but I don’t know which one is the true reason.
I did read one visitors account that was written in 1975 where he said you were able to wonder around the caves without a guide and it was clear he enjoyed his visit. The caves are also known as Windmill caves and the Bone Cavern, the entrance that goes under 107 Mount Pleasant Road is still there today.
I came across a post on Facebook this week by Simon Davies who was fitting a new boiler in the house above the caves and was invited to have a look around the caves. He posted up a number of photos he took which I have added at the end of this post.
Before those images are some old photos from the past and other interesting documents about the caves. I think it is very unlikely these caves will ever be open to the public again, so Simon's photos of how it looks today are very special.
The Caves in 2017
