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Poole's Cavern Exclusive Ghost Hunts

Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park
Buxton, Derbyshire

OVERVIEW

Located on the southern edge of the stunning spa town of Buxton lies Poole's Cavern, a spectacular 2 million year old natural limestone cave that's acclaimed to being one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak District. There's been human activity on this site since the Stone Age, with parts of the cave used by the Romans for religious practices, mining and metal-work. This subterranean underworld has hosted thousands of tourists officially since the Victorian period, but history describes the terrifying encounters experienced from cutthroat charlatans, who left distraught visitors in the dark depths of the cave, unless they paid up.

 

Situated in this damp, foreboding cavern, many have experienced strange paranormal happenings, with tall shadow figures seen and disembodied voices that scream. Think you're brave enough to face your nightmares?

- EVENT DATES -

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HISTORY

- Origins Of Poole's Cavern -

The history of this area in Buxton dates back to the Stone Age, where half a mile north of Poole's Cavern lies the hidden archaeological site of Lismore Fields, where human settlers sheltered in a Mesolithic roundhouse and two Neolithic longhouses. The underground limestone cavern formed 2 million years ago, and has been inhabited by humans throughout the Stone Age, Bronze Age and by the Romans. Several pieces of Neolithic artefacts, Roman pottery, bones and other remains have been found within the Cavern. There's also evidence to suggest Romano-Britons used this cave for different purposes, including religious practices and metal-working. The name Poole's Cavern is derived from a legendary medieval outlaw called 'Poole', who reputedly used this cave as a hideout to rob innocent travellers back in the 15th Century. Many believed the existence of the outlaw Poole was just a myth, however in recent times a hoard of silver coins dating back to 1440 was discovered in the cave, leading credence that perhaps Poole was a real person after all.

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- Mary, Queen Of Scots Visits The Cavern -

The 16th Century was an interesting period in English history; we had the Tudors, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, 'Bloody' Mary I and the 'Virgin Queen' Elizabeth I. But one famous woman whose life story fascinates so many people to this very day is Mary, Queen of Scots. She had been imprisoned up and down the country and tragically was executed in 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle. However, there is one story that may come as a surprise. There is a story that's been passed down over the generations that tells of Mary, Queen of Scots' visit to Poole's Cavern during her time in the spa town of Buxton, whilst under custodianship of the Earl of Shrewsbury. She apparently enjoyed spending her time bathing in the thermal springs and stayed in a grand hall nearby. When she came to Poole's Cavern in c.1582, despite her current unhappiness she explored the cave with much delight, and after casting her eyes upon a large stalactite deep in the cave, she proclaimed that it shall be named after her. This same stalactite called Mary Queen of Scots Pillar is still here to see more than 400 years later, for all to witness its natural beauty.

 

Now bare in mind this is just a story that's been told over the centuries. There is no documented proof that she actually visited Poole's Cavern, other than word of mouth. But as many will say, all stories have a starting point and all stories in between the lines have some sort of truth to them. Did Mary really enter this incredible Cavern? And will we unravel this strange historic mystery during our investigation here?

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- Historical Tourism & References In Literature -

Since the story was told of Mary, Queen of Scots' visit to Poole's Cavern, her past presence attracted thousands of tourists to make their journeys to the cave. In a 1636 book called 'De Mirabilibus Pecci: Being The Wonders of the Peak in Darby-shire' written by English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, he describes Poole's Cavern as being one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak. The Cavern was also referenced in a 1681 poetic essay written by writer Charles Cotton who too described this place as a 'Wonder' of the Peak District.

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While Poole's Cavern became a an impressive showcase for people all over the country, a grim reality would soon seep through the cave's cracks. In the late 18th Century, local cottage tenants were suffering from poverty, 'grasping and fighting for payment' it was stated so they could keep a roof over their heads and feed themselves and their families. Many of these tenants decided the only way to bring in money was to extort and threaten incoming tourists by pretending to be 'local tour guides'. According to a report from 1797, these cutthroat charlatans would force unwary guests to pay a tour fee, before luring them into the deepest bowels of the Cavern. They would then threaten the tourists to pay them with every penny that they had, otherwise either violence would commence or even scarier, they would extinguish the candlelight and run away, leaving the innocuous tourists in pitch-black darkness, petrified and lost.

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Sadly this general tone of skullduggery continued for the next few decades, with many visitors who took liberty by hurling rocks at the cave formations. Some of their inconsequential handiwork can be seen on some of the stalactite features, including the famous 'Flitch of Bacon' and 'Mary Queen of Scots Pillar'.

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- Victorian Tourism Through T0 Now -

After the 5th Duke of Devonshire invested a great amount of his wealth transforming the spa town of Buxton into one of the best tourist destinations in the country, his son, William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire officially opened up Poole's Cavern in 1853 as a legitimate visitor attraction and showcave. To make sure that the distained reputation this earthly cavity had gained from years previously would disappear, the Duke appointed Mr. Frank Redfern as the Cavern's first official custodian.

 

One issue that tourists found was getting into the cave's first chamber. Entry into the Cavern had always been difficult due to glacial sediment at the entrance passage and a low rocky roof, creating a tight and uncomfortable 10-metre crawl space. Frank Redfern realised this problem and came up with a quick solution to enlarge the entrance. He removed tonnes of sediment and blasted away the low roof spaces with explosives. The Cavern pathways were levelled out to accommodate bath chairs and were extended further into the first chamber, and stairs and handrails were also installed soon after. This was just the beginning for the pioneer, as throughout the duration of the Victorian Poole's Cavern, Frank implemented a bandstand museum, a monkey house and formal garden walks. Frank was also responsible for fitting in the cave's first lighting system; a series of huge candelabras.

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In 1859 the candelabra system was entirely replaced by a series of 17 gas lamps spread across the cave, a revolutionary idea in showcaves at that time. The legacy of these lamps can still be seen throughout Poole's Cavern with the old rusted gas pipes and specs of soot deposits plastered on the walls and roof. Surprisingly, the gas lamps were still glowing as late as 1965, when following the death of Mr. Lesley Alcock (the husband of Frank Redfern's granddaughter Jessie who had owned the Cavern since 1955), Poole's Cavern sadly closed down. For the last 120 years, Poole's Cavern remained under the custodianship of the Redfern family, but now the future looked uncertain. Thankfully like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Poole's Cavern was acquired by new owners the Buxton & District Civic Association (now just called Buxton Civic Association or BCA) and after replacing the Victorian gas lamps with 100 new electric lights, Poole's Cavern reopened in 1976.

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While the showcave has extensive chambers rooted underground, it's believed that there are many more geological secrets yet to be revealed. With the most recent discovery of new caves at the end of the Sculpture Chamber, it's suggested that future visitors may one day be able to extend their tour further into the rocky earth.

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- Grin Low Limestone Kilns -

The area where Poole's Cavern is located is called Grin Low Hill, and it was the main site for limestone burning here in Buxton. As early as 1662, this was an extensive area of limestone quarrying which was granted a license to do so by William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire. This demand grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution period. Across the site where Buxton Country Park is, approximately 100 large lime kilns nicknamed 'Pudding Kilns' remain dating from the 17th and 19th Centuries, built out of earth and rock. The land is also covered in spoil heaps from the waste material left over, and a bulk of these spoils are located within the woodland area. The coal used to burn the limestone came from local collieries like Axe Edge and Goyts Moss.

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In 1820 when Buxton was becoming more populated with tourists and visitors, the 6th Duke of Devonshire commissioned the 'Grin Plantation' for hundreds and hundreds of trees to be planted, shielding the scarred landscape from the lime-burning kilns from the eyes of travellers coming into the spa town. In the 1850s, production of lime moved to a new larger quarry further south of the hill to an area near where Solomon's Temple now stands today. By 1890, the quarry had produced more than 90,000 tonnes of lime. The lime kilns of Grin Low remained in operation until 1952 when it officially closed for good.

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- Solomon's Temple & Bronze Age Burials -

We mentioned Solomon's Temple, which is a story to do with Solomon Mycock and something which led to an amazing discovery. In the 1830s, Solomon Mycock was the proprietor of the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn and he leased the land at the top of Grin Low before the quarries were relocated 20 years later. In 1840 on behalf of the 6th Duke of Devonshire, he built a folly structure on top of an ancient burial mound at the summit of the hill, and called it 'Solomon's Temple'. This not only provided work for the unemployed folk of the town, but created a stunning tower for all to see. By 1894 however, the tower had become dilapidated and decayed, so the 8th Duke of Devonshire approved to replace it with 'Grinlow Tower'. The new tower which was two storeys high, was opened in 1896 by the Duke's cousin and later successor, Victor Cavendish.

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Before the reconstruction of the Grinlow Tower, in 1894 a local archaeologist called Micah Salt excavated the burial barrow at the summit of Grin Low. He discovered the remains of three skeletal burials and two cremations in jars, as well as a decorative bowl, a flint tool and other interesting artefacts.

 

 

Despite the folly being called Grinlow Tower, it is still known locally to the people of Buxton and Derbyshire as Solomon's Temple. Those who go up to the top of Tower will bear witness to such glorious panoramic views over Buxton, and can even see the likes of Mam Tor, Rushup Edge and Corbar Hill.

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GHOSTS & HAUNTINGS

Poole's Cavern is a unique location full of mysteries, histories and of course ghosts, with supernatural occurrences and unexplained paranormal activity witnessed by visitors and staff over the years.

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In the subterranean caves here, a dark malevolent shadow man has been sensed and seen wandering the paths, with some people suggesting this could be the evil spirit of outlaw Poole himself. Whoever this negative entity is, he'll make sure you run out scared when his horrid growls are heeded in the dead of night.

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Strange light anomalies are seen in the Great Dome Chamber hovering above the steps and the water to the side of the walkway. Who is causing these strange and disturbing projections of light? It's possible that these could be the energies of past souls from thousands of years ago who inhabited the Cavern for shelter and warmth. It's also within the Great Dome Chamber and the Roman Chamber that ghostly screams and disembodied voices have been heard by staff when opening and locking up, leaving them to make a quick exit.

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Throughout Poole's Cavern, visitors have felt like they are being pushed during times when tours are taking place as well as the dreaded feeling that someone or something is standing right behind you. It's as if the bustling actions of former Victorian tourists and those who were led astray by deceitful guides are still walking these very same paths; their spiritual energies stamped within these cave walls. People have also felt sudden emotions and nausea that come on randomly now and then, and investigators from nearly two decades ago picked up on ghost children in these caves too.

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Another interesting paranormal experience that's been reported here is the ghost of a Black Lady. She's been described by some Mediums being of taller-than-average height, wearing a black farthingale gown with pearls embroided and a white headdress. Some speculate this is the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, however we will never until we call out during our investigation, in the hopes that if the stories are true, her spectre will hopefully answer that question.

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Grin Low Woods is notoriously known for its supernatural sightings leaving walkers baffled by what they've seen. Large orbs have been reported floating around the tops of trees, before dimming into the darkness. But perhaps the most chilling phenomena reported around these woods are the ghostly procession of cloaked and hooded figures. They have been seen walking together while carrying bright fiery torches, eventually gathering in a circle at the top of the Hill near Solomon's Temple, where chanting has been heard. People walking in the woods at night have described these two pieces of paranormal phenomena in great detail, so what is causing such happenings?

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YOUR GHOST HUNT EXPERIENCE

Your night of ghost hunting with Brookes Paranormal is guaranteed a fun, safe and spooky one. Experience this historic location with exclusive access after dark, as you explore the eerie rooms and areas in search for the ghostly spirits that haunt here. Here at Poole's Cavern, you will get to investigate the Roman Chamber, the Great Dome Chamber, the Sculpture Chamber at the far side of the Cavern and the Learning Building. If there's enough time and weather permitting, we may also investigate parts of the Woods.

Our team are friendly, professional, approachable and knowledgeable with paranormal investigating, and we will guide and support you to make sure you get the most out of your investigation. We welcome everyone from all walks of life, as our events are a safe space for all who love and enjoy the thrill of ghost hunting. Whether you're a paranormal novice or an experienced investigator, you'll be well-looked after and treated like family.

This is an honest ghost hunting experience, so there won't be any fakery or trickery during the night. We believe that if activity happens, it happens for real.

On your ghost hunt, you will be split into smaller groups to give you the best, personal experience possible. You will also get hands on with various pieces of ghost hunting equipment and participate in interesting paranormal experiments.
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While we encourage everyone
to get involved in the night's vigils, you don't have to partake in experiments like Ouija Boards and the Estes Method if you don't
want to, we have plenty of other equipment for you to use.


You will also have a couple of breaks throughout the night, where we provide you with unlimited refreshments and snacks.


 

YOUR EVENT INCLUDES

  • Group photo of all guests which gets published to our page

  • Small group extended vigils

  • Refreshments and snacks like teas, coffees, hot chocolates, bottles of water, biscuits, crisps and chocolate bars

  • Full use of ghost hunting equipment like K2s, EMF Meters, REM Pods, Cat Balls, Spirit Boxes, Motion Detectors, Dowsing Rods, Laser Grid Pens, ITC Apps, Puck Devices and SLS Cameras

  • Paranormal experiments like Ouija Boards, Glass Divination, Table Tipping, Séances, Estes Method, Automatic Writing and Pendulums

  • An introduction to ghost hunting equipment and techniques for guests new to the paranormal

 

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PLEASE NOTE BEFORE BOOKING

  • All attendees MUST be 18 years or older

  • Heavily pregnant women are NOT allowed on these events

  • This location is NOT wheelchair accessible

  • This location has NO sleepover facilities

  • We operate a STRICT No Alcohol/Drugs Policy on our events, and if caught or believed to be under the influence of any alcohol or drugs, you will be removed from the event immediately and banned from all future events - No refunds

  • All attendees MUST bring a torch to the event, as we will be investigating in dark areas and low light conditions

  • Sensible footwear is required for the location's environmental conditions

  • In the colder months we advise to wear warm layered clothing, and bring a warm coat with you as the night will get cooler as the event progresses

  • History tours are NOT provided at this location, but we will talk briefly on the location's past

  • Ouija Boards ARE brought to events at this location

  • Please ensure you are able to attend this event; deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and full payments and remaining balances are non-refundable and non-transferable four weeks prior to the event date

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ADDRESS, EVENT TIMES & PARKING

ADDRESS: Poole's Cavern, Green Lane, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9DH

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EVENT TIMES: 8:00pm - 1:00am (Arrive at 7:45pm)

Please wait patiently outside the main entrance until a member of our team greets you at the door for registration.

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PARKING:

  • Car Park on-site.

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- NEARBY LOCATIONS -

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