Deep in Somerset lies Wookey Hole, a series of fascinating limestone caverns that have held onto their secrets for millennia. These caves have long been intertwined with tales of the supernatural, myths of witches, and strange unexplainable occurrences.
The most famous legend is that of the Witch of Wookey Hole, said to dwell within these ancient caverns. In the first chamber, named the Witch's Kitchen, an eerie stone formation eerily resembles a head peering over the River Axe. Legend says this is the petrified remains of the witch, turned to stone alongside her dog by the holy water of Father Bernard, a visiting monk. Depending on the viewpoint and light source - be it torch or candle - visitors have often spoken of seeing various faces in the rock, leaving one to wonder about their origin and intent.
An 1839 account even mentions a fermenting tub and oven in the Witch's Kitchen. What mysterious brews or concoctions might the witch have made there?
Intriguingly, the first documented instance of eerie sounds emanating from the depths of these caves dates back to 189 AD. A Roman by the name of Clement of Alexandria wrote of hearing sounds reminiscent of 'Clashing of Cymbals'. Within the third chamber, named The Witch's Parlour, these unexplainable resonances can still be heard – low, pulsating tones that grow louder and more ominous before fading.
Herbert Balch, an early 20th-century archaeologist, not only experienced these peculiar sounds but also described another distinct, unsettling noise in his 1929 book, "The Great Cave of Wookey Hole". He recounted hearing distressing shouts and splashes from the river, but upon investigating, found no trace of any individual. On another occasion with a friend Captain Kentish whilst they stood again in Chamber Two, The Great Hall a sudden murmur of many voices was heard. As it was usual for Balch to wait for visitors, they waited, but no visitors arrived. The sound instead grew louder, changing into a roar and a noise that surrounded them. Then suddenly the noise stopped and no one, nothing could explain what they'd just heard.
Another feature of these mysterious caves is the Witch's Chimney. This ancient water-formed chimney extends from the cave floor up towards the surface, about 100 metres above. Carved into its inner walls are what are known as Ritual Protection Marks or Witch Marks. Made centuries ago, these symbols were believed to protect against malicious spirits or the Evil Eye. Standing here, many report a sudden chill, which is thought to be from a thermal draught caused by body heat. But to early visitors, this chilling sensation must have surely added to the eeriness of their surroundings.
There are also tales of unexplained terror within the caves. A 1925 newspaper article speaks of a woman who, during her visit, felt an overpowering dread and saw visions of the Devil himself. Interestingly, she later met a man who recounted a similar horrifying experience in the very same caves.
Furthermore, Chamber Four offers its own mysteries. Here, both excavations and sporadic floods have unearthed human remains, raising questions: Were these burials? Ritual sacrifices?
It's a common misconception that caves served as human habitats thousands of years ago. In reality, these dark dwellings were homes merely hundreds of years ago. While not directly connected to Wookey Hole, tales like that of the infamous Sawney Bean family in Scotland, known for their gruesome cannibalistic lifestyle in a coastal cave, make one wonder about the history of cave dwellers.
Given the rich tapestry of stories and experiences, Wookey Hole Caves beckon to those curious about the unexplained and the mysterious. One can only wonder, what other secrets do these ancient caverns hold?
A Mill has stood at Wookey Hole since the days of the Doomsday Book, transforming into a paper mill in 1610. The current structure, dating back to the 1850s, expanded in the early 1900s and stands as a symbol of the industrial revolution of the area.
Approaching the Mill reveals a cacophony of rooks and jackdaws conversing amongst the tree canopies, their calls especially resonant at dawn and dusk. Rooks nestle in the trees flanking the path to the caves, while jackdaws inhabit the rock crevices above the River Axe’s exit from the caves. These birds, associated with the afterlife, death, and reincarnation in many cultures, intensify the mystique surrounding the area.
The aura of the black-plumed rook, symbolising transformation and life and death cycles, weaves tales of spiritual guidance into the afterlife. The presence of these corvids raises questions: Are they guardians or harbingers? Do they hold the spirits of those connected to this land, some through tragedy?
The Caves behind the Mill harbour remnants of ancient habitation, with human remains from at least 2000 years ago discovered in Chamber 4. Beneath Wookey Hole, culverts channel water from the Caves through the village, carrying tales of villagers discovering human bones in the River Axe and heightening fears and speculations about the caves' history.
Local folklore speaks of a Witch residing in these Caves, with speculation that her solitary existence was the source of the discovered human remains, feeding rumours of macabre feasts and rituals. Perhaps these remains were from Chamber 4, the burial chamber, fuelling sightings of wandering souls in the Mill.
In its industrial prime, the mill burgeoned, hosting 200-300 employees, and witnessing the myriad stories they carried. The dark, maze-like corridors beneath the Mill, accompanied by the murmur of rushing water, echo with sightings of a young girl, her story entwined with the brick walls. The records of the Mill narrate tales of accidents—caught limbs and ensnared hair in machinery, amputations, and the tragic waterwheel accident in 1892, possibly giving an identity to the restless, unhappy figure seen wandering the Mill’s Mirror Maze.
The intertwined destinies of the Mill and the caves form a rich tapestry of history, whispering stories of those who walked these paths long ago. When one treads the Mill and Caves of Wookey Hole, they are stepping through the echoes of time, possibly accompanied by the spirits of the past.
Authored By Chris Goodchild (General Manager of Wookey Hole Caves) and Neil Morgan (Guide Supervisor)
