The pretty UK town with a mysterious cave – no one knows reason it’s there

Just an eight-minute walk from Royston Station in Hertfordshire lies one of the UK’s most enigmatic historical sites. 

Discovered by accident in 1742, Royston Cave has fascinated historians and visitors alike with its rich carvings and mysterious origins.

It currently sits beneath the crossroads formed by Ermine Street and the Icknield Way.

This beehive-shaped cave, carved approximately 8 metres into the chalk, was stumbled upon when workmen were installing a bench in the butter market above. 

Beneath a millstone, they uncovered a well-like shaft and makeshift steps leading into the subterranean chamber. 

Upon removing the earth and debris inside the cave, a range of carvings were found in the lower chamber — many of which bear Christian and medieval influences.

There are four prominent carvings of saints including St Christopher, St Katherine, St Laurence and a military saint thought to be St George, who is holding an upturned sword towards 13 figures. This is assumed to be Jesus and his disciples.

Other carvings throughout the cave include two crucifixion scenes, one of which is believed to be of King Richard I and a carving with upraised arms, thought to be King David of the Psalms. 

The cave also includes non-Christian imagery, such as an Earth Goddess known as a Sheila-na-gig, a pagan symbol of fertility.

The cave’s purpose remains a mystery, but numerous theories have circulated about its origins. 

One popular belief is that it served as a place of worship for the Knights Templar, who frequented Royston to sell produce at its market. 

The Knights Templar were a religious, military order formed to protect pilgrims travelling from Europe to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. They also fought in the Holy Wars, also known as the Crusades.

The Templars became an influential order acquiring vast amounts of wealth and land throughout Europe, including in Hertfordshire where Royston Cave is situated.

Other theories propose that the cave was used by King James I to practice freemasonry or even as a hermitage. The cylindrical lower section of the cave, about 5 meters in diameter, also includes a raised octagonal step that researchers suggest may have been used for kneeling in prayer. 

While an official archaeological investigation was never conducted, early explorations revealed a skull, bones, a brass fragment and pieces of a drinking vessel were found inside the cave.

The Royston Cave is open to visitors on weekends and Bank Holidays for guided tours from April through September. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £4 for children aged 3 to 15.

Though the cave is closed during the winter months, booking a tour in advance is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about this mysterious landmark.