14th Century Cave Discovered During Landslip Repair Works
A team of rail workers conducting landslip repairs near Guildford in April 2020 uncovered a small cave thought to date back to the 14th century.
Photo: Archaeology South East
The sandstone cave, composed of several sections ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 metres in height, was found during efforts to stabilise and protect the railway embankment.
It’s believed the cave was once much larger, but most of it was lost during the construction of the railway cutting through the hill in the early 1840s.
Initial analysis by a specialist archaeological contractor suggests the cave may have served as a late medieval shrine or hermitage connected to the nearby ruins of St. Catherine's Chapel, which dates to the early 14th century.
Photo: Archaeology South East
A shrine is a sacred place dedicated to a particular saint, deity, or religious figure.
In the medieval Christian context, shrines were often built to honor saints and housed their relics, such as bones or other holy objects.
Pilgrims would visit these sites to seek blessings, healing, or miracles.
There is also speculation, however, that the caves could have earlier origins as a site of cult activity, given the pre 14th century name of the hill, Drakehill, meaning "Hill of the Dragon."
Images from the site reveal a Gothic niche adorned with dot patterns, alongside a nearby Calvary cross.
In total, there are about seven or eight additional niches, and experts found significant evidence of writing and other markings on the ceiling.
The cave is partially coated in black dust, believed to be soot from lamps, and two suspected fire-pits were also uncovered on the cave floor.
Radiocarbon dating is hoped to shed light on the exact period when the cave was in use.
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.”
A spokesperson from Archaeology South East, added: "The cave contained what appear to be shrines or decorative niches, together with carved initials and other markings.
”The old name for St Catherine's Hill is Drakehull 'The Hill of the Dragon', so this has obviously been a site of ritual significance long before the construction of the church on the top of the hill in the late 13th century.”
This fascinating discovery was made in April 2020.
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