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Fairy Cave

Fairy Cave Quarry, Stoke St.Michael.

A substantial fossil inlet into the Hillier's Cave streamway. A series of mostly roomy chambers, separated by low sections, squeezes and a long wet crawl eventually connects to the Upper Grotto of Hillier's Cave. There is also a voice connection with Fernhill Cave. The original entrance to this cave (now blocked), pre-dates the quarry, and was marked on old maps as Fairy Rocks. It was visited by the monks of Downside Abbey at the turn of the 20th century and they sometimes referred to it as Cox's Hole. Potsherds were said to have been excavated from the original entrance in 1888 and Iron Age pottery was found in 1929. Legend holds that a bagpiper once disappeared inside this cave. Although he was heard playing below the ground several days later, he was never seen again.

Alternate Names: Cox's Cave, Fairy Cave 1, Fairy Rocks

Notes: Cave always open. Original entrance blocked.