Royston Cave

Royston Cave is an underground chamber from the Middle Ages in Royston, England, shaped like a bell and located deep beneath the street surface. Visitors descend a narrow staircase and enter a room whose walls are entirely covered with hand-carved relief figures and geometric patterns.

Workers discovered the cave by accident in August 1742 while digging beneath a millstone at the site of the former butter market. The origin and original purpose of the cave remain unclear to this day, though the carvings suggest use during the Middle Ages.

The carvings on the walls show several saints alongside older signs, including depictions from the time of the Knights Hospitaller and the Templars. Visitors often notice the combination of religious motifs and symbols that remain visible today, reflecting the use of the cave across centuries.

The cave is accessible only by a steep, narrow staircase, so it is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Visits take place in small groups, and the lighting inside is dim to protect the carvings.

Small holes in the walls were likely candle holders that illuminated the entire interior of the cave. This arrangement suggests that the carvings were viewed for ritual or ceremonial purposes.