Saint Roberts Cave, Also Called Saint Roberts Chapel, Approximately 120 Metres South West Of Grimbald Bridge

Saint Roberts Cave consists of two sections carved into limestone rock: a domestic chamber and a chapel space with carved niches and an incised cross. The excavation sits on a slope overlooking the River Nidd, showing how the hermitage was positioned to use the landscape.

Robert Flower, born in York in 1160, established this hermitage beside the River Nidd where King John of England himself once visited. His presence and spiritual life transformed the site into a center of religious importance during the medieval period.

After Robert's death in 1218, this became an important pilgrimage site where visitors sought healing, drawn by stories of sacred oil emerging from his burial place.

Access is from Abbey Road with stone steps down from Grimbald Bridge, and the path offers views of the River Nidd along the way. Wear sturdy shoes as the steps are steep and the ground can be uneven.

In 1759, the cave became the center of a murder investigation after human remains were discovered inside. This unexpected criminal case brought sudden attention to the historical site in a way few could have predicted.

Location: Knaresborough

GPS coordinates: 53.99960,-1.45078

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:20