While carrying out roadworks, workers stumbled upon a remarkable discovery—caves dating back to the 9th century, uncovering a hidden underground city that had long been buried beneath the surface.
Nottingham, the picturesque city in England’s East Midlands, is known for its connection to the legend of Robin Hood. Beyond its folklore and traditions, the city is home to the largest network of caves in the United Kingdom, hand-carved into the soft sandstone bedrock, dating back to as early as the 9th century.
The caves were first mentioned by the Welsh monk of St. David’s Dyfed, who described the area as “the place with the caves”—“Tig Guocobauc” (in Old Breton), in his work The Life of King Alfred (893 AD).
"Many Caves Have Been Sealed or Buried Beneath the City"
As Nottingham expanded, many cave entrances were sealed or buried—a process that accelerated with the St. Mary’s Preservation Act of 1845, which prohibited renting cellars and caves to the poor.
In 2009, when Nottingham City Council began the official mapping of the cave network, only 425 caves were known.
Since then, extensive research and exploration, led by archaeologist Scott Lomax, have almost doubled the number of recorded caves.
"Over 1,000 Caves Have Been Recorded"
“Through research and archaeological explorations, we’ve found more caves than we expected—some of which we thought had been destroyed due to 20th-century urban development projects,” explained Scott Lomax.
“With ongoing efforts, I’m confident that we will eventually exceed 1,000 recorded caves,” he added.
“It’s important to know where the caves in Nottingham are located so we can protect them during urban development, and where possible, make them accessible and put them to use.”
The caves are a vital part of the city’s history. By recognizing them, we ensure their protection, rather than allowing them to be overlooked or destroyed.
The Latest Cave Discovery During Roadworks
The most recent cave discovery occurred during roadworks at the former site of the Bass Brewery distribution point, Ratcliffe & Gretton, in Burton-on-Trent.
The cave stretches 17 meters long and 4 meters wide. Workers reached it with a pole, unveiling yet another piece of Nottingham's rich underground heritage.
