Hidden for Centuries: Railway Workers Unearth Mysterious Medieval Shrine Beneath Southern England Tracks
“The cave contained what appear to be shrines or decorative niches, together with carved initials and other markings,” a spokesman from Archaeology South East said of the surprise dig.
Network RailThe cave was found during constuction work following a landslide on a railway tunnel.
The cave is divided into several sections measuring between 11 and 27 inches high, but archaeologists suspect that the cave would have been much larger during its time of use.
Moreover, the cave’s roof is covered in markings and black dust, possibly soot from the lamps of worshippers who once visited the shrine. There were also the remains of two firepits inside.
The mysterious hill shrine was uncovered accidentally. Workers on a hill hosting a railroad tunnel for the line that connecting Guildford and Portsmouth were cleaning up after a landslide when they came upon the small cave.
Network Rail Wessex Route Director Mark Killick said, “This is an unexpected and fascinating discovery that helps to visualize and understand the rich history of the area.”
He added that “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.”
Creative CommonsSt Catherine’s Hill near Guildford circa 1808 as painted by Joseph Mallord William.
There is still no information as to what exactly the shrine might have been used for and by whom. But experts involved in the case said that the soot and charcoal remnants found inside the cave are currently being processed and analyzed for more information about the hidden hill shrine.
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