The area where the City of Caves lie dates back to mid-Saxon times and was originally known as 'Tigguo Cobauc', which is Old Brythonic meaning 'Place or Dwelling of Caves'. It was first referenced in an old manuscript called 'The Life Of King Alfred' by a Welsh monk and historian called Asser, Bishop of Sherborne, who wrote the piece in 893 AD. He also visited Snotingaham in circa 900 AD. Snotingaham or 'Snottingham' was the original name of Nottingham, named after the Anglo-Saxon tribe of the Snots.

 

These ancient caves were used for housing and dwellings as early as the 11th Century, with troglodytes (hermits) even being recorded in the 1600s. The City of Caves remain as some of Nottingham's oldest and well preserved caves, with excavations discovering broken pottery dating back to 1270-1300.

 

Many caves were inhabited until 1845, when the St. Mary's Enclosure Act banned the rental of cellars and caves as homes for those in poverty, although it wouldn't be surprising if landlords ignored this Act and continued the practice in secret.

 

During World War 2 in a turbulent time when Britain was being bombed by Nazi Germany, the caves were used has an air raid shelter to protect the citizens of Nottingham from night time bombings. Families, children, parents and adults, all were brought down here and sometimes in complete darkness, scared and terrified that they could be killed from direct impacts or from flying shrapnel if they stayed above ground.

 

What now stands is a visitor attraction called the City of Caves, a series of dark Brythonic and Anglo-Saxon caves and tunnels, with medieval wells, cesspits and the cellar walls of the former medieval Drury Hill that still remain intact today.

The City of Caves is famous for its ghosts, hauntings and paranormal activity, and with a dark, troubled past dating over 1,200 years, we can see why. The spirit of a cloaked shadow man is seen wandering through the caves carrying a candlelit lantern, before vanishing into thin air.

 

An evil and negative entity is also reported to haunt the Caves, with the smells of Sulphur appearing whenever this evil spirit manifests. He is also said to cause violent poltergeist activity, like throwing stones and pushing people. Be careful you don't walk into him.

 

Voices of children and adults can be heard echoing around the Caves, more so in the old Air Raid Shelter, where panic and fear set in as you stare down one long passage, and turn ninety degrees to stare down another.

 

In the Tannery, cold spots move around sending feelings of concern and dizziness running through you. It is also in this area where high levels of EMF suddenly manifest and then dissipate, as if someone or something has come into the atmosphere.

 

And as you stand silently still in the Caves with torchlights out, guests will feel as if someone is walking past in front of them, despite everyone not moving.

DATE: Friday 18th October 2024

 

TIMES: 9:00pm - 3:00am (Arrive 15 minutes early and wait patiently outside the front entrance until a member of our team greets you at the door)

 

LOCATION: City of Caves, Garner's Hill, Nottingham NG1 1HF

 

PARKING AT EVENT: Lace Market Car Park, Broad Marsh Car Park, NCP Nottingham Maid Marian Way Car Park and local street parking. Please note car parking charges may apply.

 

REMAINING BALANCE: Needs to be paid FOUR WEEKS prior to the event date. Failure to pay your remaining balance before this deadline will result in you forfeiting your places and your places will be sold on.

 

WHAT TO BRING: A torch, a warm coat/jacket, sensible footwear, any equipment you wish to bring along (your responsibility), your positive and open-minded energies.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Bringing alcohol or drugs to this event is strictly prohibited. If anyone arrives at the event under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will not be allowed to stay for the night and will be asked to leave immediately.