'The Cave', in Tunbridge Wells (nr. Crowborough)

This small cave in Tunbridge Wells (six miles from Crowborough) is believed to have been used to store soot.

Extracts from: 'Rotherfield: The Story of Some Wealden Manors' by Catharine Pullein (1928)

"We do not know for certain where the Priory stood; nor do we know of what buildings it consisted. When the writer first inquired if the site were known, she was told by an old resident that remains of the building were visible in a field approached by Chant Lane; so named because the monks came chanting up it on their way to the Church. “A sort of cellar in stone and brick with an oak tree growing on the top, and a pond close by.” Locally this was called “the Cave”.

When examined it was seen to be about seven or eight feet in length, the front open, the sides and back wall lined with very large and regularly laid hewn stones, the roof with bricks measuring 8 ¼ x 4 x 2 inches. The floor had been paved with stone. What the purpose of the structure had been was far from obvious. It was known that somewhere in that direction a malt-kiln had existed.

The farm now known at Chant Lane Farm was at one time called Malthouse Farm, and one supposes that it is indicated in the entry in the Rates book of Sept. 21, 1753 – “John Goddin's Malthouse is vakent and not used”; and on February 25, 1761, “Robert Gilbert for Mr. Godwin's Malthouse,” which after one year's use was again “vacant.” But this carefully lined cave bears no resemblance to a drying kiln, whether for malt or hops. The Manor plan of 1597 shows no house in any of the fields that skirt Chant lane; but similar hewn stones and thin bricks are used in a cow-lodge that stands near the cave, just above the Rifle Range."

We respectfully ask all visitors to help us in our campaign to re-open the caves to the public

- please join the Friends of the Caves of Crowborough.