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Holy Mans Cave

Folly Wood, Easterton, Devizes.

Folly Wood has a deep gorge-like cut through the Cretaceous Upper Greensand beds. The cave entrance is located partway up the steep side of the gorge

Alternative Names: Quabb's Hole

Notes: It is possible that this site was also known as Quabb's Hole. The eponymous Quabb was a loner, a poacher and a petty thief, whose exploits will have been much embroidered. He apparently stole sheep and hens and poached when and where he could, living alone in his cave, where he died.

After his death, the cave was found to be full of sheepskins and feathers. It was then filled in and forgotten. The story is never heard now but the events must have occurred about the beginning of the 19th century. If this is the same 'cave,' then it is not known when the 'cave' was re-excavated.

Pick marks are evidence of anthropogenic modification of the 'cave.' There are also many inscriptions and carvings on the surrounding rocks of the gorge including an artistic one of a horse.

The cave is a roost for bats it should not be approached as it is an offence to disturb a bat in its roost or deliberately disturb a group of bats.