Secrets Beneath the Soil: Subterranean England
Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge (a narrow valley between steep hills) in the Mendip Hills, known for its 400ft limestone cliffs and deep caves. Formed by meltwater floods millions of years ago, it’s a popular hub for hikers and rock climbers.
It’s home to around 100 endangered cave-dwelling Lesser Horseshoe bats.
This area is buzzing with life from soaring skylarks overhead to the quirky black oil beetle (its protruding tummy being described as looking like ‘someone whose waistcoat won’t button up!)
The caves have stunning stalactite formations, and a 274-step challenging climb to Jacob’s Ladder and Lookout Tower, which gives panoramic views across the Somerset Levels (wetlands rich in wildlife).
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
There is also a dramatic 3 mile circular trail offering great views, from the National Trust parking area. The actual village of Cheddar is at the base of the gorge, known for quaint tea rooms and of course cheese.
Cheddar Man (England’s oldest skeleton)
Cheddar Gorge was where England’s oldest ever skeleton was discovered a few years back. His body was found in a cave, and what was discovered revealed a whole new history of early Britain, and also gave the racists, something to think about!
Cheddar Man turned up in 1903, during work in the cave rather than in a neat research project. It’s strange that this date has not been much reported, as it’s been known then for over 120 years the information that was discovered.
What surprised most was that Cheddar Man had black skin and blue eyes (a bit like CSI actor Gary Dourdan). So it does indeed suggest that we have African ancestry. DNA ties him to western European ancestry, likely hunter-gatherers after the Ice Age.
Two other local boys with blue eyes (with blonde hair) from the village of Cheddar were Matt & Luke Goss (from 90s pop band Bros).
England is a land rich in history, culture, and geological wonders, and much of this heritage lies hidden beneath its surface. From ancient burial sites to fascinating cave systems, the underground world of England tells stories that shape our understanding of the past.
The catacombs of London
Beneath the bustling streets of London, the catacombs stand as a haunting reminder of the city’s history. Originally designed as burial places in the 17th century, these tunnels were used to inter the dead during a time of plague and overcrowding.
The catacombs were built with intricate passageways that housed coffins and provided a sombre resting place for the deceased.
Legends abound about the catacombs. Some say the spirits of those buried there still wander the passages, while others claim the tunnels connect to other underground structures throughout the city.
Today, they remain a point of intrigue for historians and tourists alike, drawing visitors eager to learn about the darker chapters of London’s past.
The Roman baths of Bath
In the picturesque city of Bath, the Roman Baths reveal the engineering prowess of the ancient Romans. This site showcases a complex of baths and temple ruins preserved over the centuries. Dating back to around AD 60, the baths were a place of social gathering, relaxation, and worship.
Archaeologists have uncovered an impressive array of artefacts, showcasing the cultural significance of bathing in Roman society. The site’s hot springs continue to flow, attracting visitors to marvel at the ingenuity of Roman engineering.
The Roman Baths not only enlighten visitors about the past but also highlight the importance of water as a source of life and community.
Wells cathedral’s crypt
Wells Cathedral, an architectural gem, boasts one of the oldest Gothic structures in England. Its crypt, dating back to the 12th century, offers a fascinating insight into early Gothic architecture.
The crypt’s design features ribbed vaults and delicate columns, showcasing the skill of medieval builders. Beyond its architectural beauty, the crypt serves as a reminder of the religious fervour of the time.
It was a space for reflection and prayer, an integral part of the cathedral’s spiritual life. Today, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the past, inviting visitors to explore its serene atmosphere.
The Mendip Hills caves
The Mendip Hills are home to an extensive network of caves, each revealing unique geological features. These limestone caves, formed over thousands of years, showcase stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
One of the most famous caves, Cheddar Gorge, is known not just for its beauty but also for its archaeological significance. The area has yielded prehistoric remains, providing insight into early human life in Britain.
The caves are a playground for adventurers and a treasure trove for geologists, illustrating the power of nature in shaping the landscape.
The Wookey Hole caves (Somerset)
Just a stone’s throw from the Mendip Hills, Wookey Hole Caves present another fascinating subterranean site. These caves have a rich history, once thought to be the dwelling of a witch in local folklore.
Chislehurst caves (near London)
Chislehurst Caves, located just outside London, have a storied past. Originally formed by chalk mining, these caves served as an air raid shelter during World War II.
Over 15,000 people took refuge here during the Blitz, highlighting the caves’ role in protecting lives during turbulent times.
Secrets of England’s caves (what lies beneath)
England’s landscape is dotted with caves, each formed over thousands of years through intricate natural processes. The country’s geological tapestry, with its layers of limestone and chalk, sets the stage for these underground marvels.
Caves are formed due to weather and erosion, they are ‘nature’s artists’ carving out masterpieces over thousands of years.
Underground rivers gradually wear away rock, to create vast caverns. And rainwater (fused with carbon dioxide) is a mild acid that gently dissolves limestone, expanding the caves over time.
Notable caves in England are Cheddar Gorge (with dramatic cliffs and stalactite formations), Wookey Hole and White Scar Cave (ancient waterfalls echo through England’s longest caves). Then there are smugglers’ cave in Hastings – shiver me timbers!
Archaeologists have often unearthed primitive tools and bones, whispers from our ancestors. The most surprising find was Cheddar Man, discovered in a Somerset cave. What was surprising (note to Nigel Farage et al) was that ‘England’s oldest man’ did not only have blue eyes – but he was black! Showing that everyone who is ‘English’ likely has African ancestors.
Of course, it’s not just humans that live in caves. The most common species to find in caves are bats, which are actually very endangered due to loss of habitat.
So read how to help our non-scary bat friends, to learn more about one of only three hibernating mammals in England (the others are hedgehogs and dormice).
Not just bats, but caves are also home to insects (which bats eat) and some crustaceans are are designed especially to live in the dark.
Fancy going pot-holing?
Pot-holing is a popular hobby for some people, which basically means exploring underground caves. Though of course it’s good to stay quiet, as you don’t want to disturb nocturnal bats. The reason they sleep upside-down is to make a quick getaway from predators, which they will think you are, if you come across one in a cave.
Not a hobby for the claustrophobic, pot-holing usually involves squeezing through tight spaces to explore life underground. You’ll need a training course and guide, who will provide you with a helmet and lamp, though you’ll have to bring your own wellies!
The world beneath our feet (the hidden life of soil)
The World Beneath Our Feet is a book to appreciate the world around us, and instead of looking up, it’s time to look down instead!
The ground beneath our feet hums with a staggering abundance of winding roots, interconnecting fungal networks, wriggling creatures and mind-blowing microbial life.
This glittering ecosystem is the single most biodiverse habitat on the planet. Half of all species exist underfoot, and just a handful of soil can contain an entire world! Without soil, there would be no life as we know it.
In this book, soil ecologist Frank Ashwood scratches the surface, and takes us on an eye-opening safari through this precious ecosystem. From ancient forests of New Zealand to vast black soil deposits in China.
Each layer of the pedosphere is a world of its own, each more alien as we travel deeper in to the earth.
To protect worms, practice no-dig gardening. The creature on the cover is a mole, which you can humanely deter on organic lawns (or simply leave them be and use the earth as topsoil!
The history of England’s coal mines
Years ago, mining was an important (albeit dangerous) profession, where workers would travel underground to collect tin and coal, in order to provide fuel and construction materials.
However all climate change experts now say that likely one of the best ways to help make things better for our planet is to stop the use of fossil fuels.
The easiest way for us to do this is to simply switch to companies like Ecotricity for energy (this company does not burn abattoir waste to generate electricity, and makes gas from grass!) It also offers business and charity tariffs.
It also does not support fracking (making gas by drilling into the ground, which in some cases can cause cancer and taps even have fire coming out of them, instead of water).
Coal is one of the biggest sources of carbon dioxide on the planet, also releases methane and toxic ash. Around 40% of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions come from coal. It’s a main driver behind global warming, rising sea levels, and air pollution.
In 2008, the UK set clear carbon reduction goals with the Climate Change Act. Coal, the most polluting fossil fuel, became an obvious target. These strict rules forced power plants to rethink how they operate.
Yet in the USA, President Trump is now reviving old coal mines, in a bid to ‘make America great again’, which will have huge environmental consequences for the world.
The Guardian reports that the administration is now allocating 13.1 million acres of public land to coal mining, despite it having rapid decline in the last 30 years. Despite coal pollution being linked to thousands of deaths including asthma and cardiac events.
The Trump administration is hell-bent on supporting the oldest, dirtiest energy source. This is a colossal waste of money, when the federal government should be spurring along the new energy sources that could help bring down electricity bills for struggling families. National Resources Defense Council.
