Chislehurst Caves Bromley: Fun facts that you might not know

We recently took a tour of Chislehurst Caves to learn more about the rich history of these famous caves and their many uses.

Here are seven facts you might not have known about Chislehurst Caves and its history:

They are actually mines but “caves” sounded better

The caves are in fact manmade mines, mined for Cretaceous chalk, by first the Druids and then later the Romans and Saxons.

However, the name was later changed to caves instead.

It was once used by 15,000 people as an air raid shelter

During World War II, Chislehurst Caves was used by over 15,000 people a night as an air raid shelter, with some setting up businesses and practices down there like dentists and barbers, and even a cinema put together by one man setting up a projector.

A church was also made so that people could hold services and pray.

People from all over London came to the caves to seek shelter, with some coming from as far as Essex to take refuge.

During World War II, over 15,000 people a night used the caves as an air raid shelter. (Image: Emily Davison)

Some of the most famous musicians played there

In the 50s and 60s the caves were taken over by Radio Caroline, with many famous artists playing there in the concert space right up until the early 2000s.

Some of the most famous artists played there, including David Bowie, The Who, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix.

Stars including David Bowie, The Who, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix have played in the caves. (Image: Emily Davison)

It’s a popular filming location

With its winding tunnels it's easy to see why Chislehurst Caves has been such a popular filming location over the years.

The caves have been used as a backdrop for TV and film including popular TV shows like Doctor Who and Merlin.

It’s peppered with carvings

The cave walls feature the carvings of those who visited there in the past, particularly during World War I when bored soldiers were guarding the vast amounts of TNT stored there.

But there are also carvings made by the concert goers who visited during the 60s.

The cave walls feature carvings by many people who visited in the past. (Image: Emily Davison)

It’s said to be haunted

The caves are believed to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman wearing white, after the remains of a young woman were found by a pool in the war when it was filled in to keep visitors safe.

The spirit of a woman wearing a white dress, named The Lady in White, has been sighted by many people over the years, with reported sightings of her walking around the tunnels and sat by the pool.

Some have even reported feeling a sensation of her breathing down their necks or pulling on clothing.

Because of the rumours, a competition was held promising anyone who could spend a night there the sum of £5.

But out of all the 300 people who attempted it, only one man was successful, describing it as being the most “uncomfortable” experience of his life.

The caves are believed to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman wearing white. (Image: Emily Davison)

You can visit Chislehurst Caves for a tour every day of the week between 10am – 4pm with tours running every hour on the hour.

Ticket prices cost £8 for an adult and £6 for a child.