Royston Cave

Merchandise may seem a recent commercial development, but during the medieval period there were mass-produced metal badges sold at holy shrines as proof of pilgrimage, and to identify the wearer for hospitality. There is one badge, of Richard Caister, that has been identified which bears a resemblance to the carving in the cave situated in […]

In 1759 Eugene Aram was convicted of murdering Daniel Clark, a co-conspirator who had aided him, and Richard Houseman, steal goods from businesses in Knaresborough, York. But why would one of the most notorious murder cases of the 18th Century be of any relevance to Royston cave? The bones of Clark were ultimately discovered in

There are many ancient winter celebrations that occurred during the month of December. The Romans would celebrate Saturnalia, a week of festivities that would include a banquet and gift making. Epona, the Celtic horse goddess would be celebrated on the 18th of December. The Winter Solstice, which is normally around the 21st, would be a

On the western side of Royston Cave stands Saint Catherine, holding the infamous spiked wheel associated with her martyrdom. At the age of 14, Catherine experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, who placed a ring on her finger. She subsequently converted to Christianity and dedicated her life to the Church.

Downfall of The Templars and the Friday 13th Superstition Formed in 1119, the Knights Templar were a religious, military order. Their primary role was to protect those on pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, which later extended to defending the land. Over time they became a large, pan-European organisation, amassing huge amounts of wealth, land and

The ministry of John the Baptist reached its peak when Jesus came to him to be baptised in the Jordan River. John’s outspoken condemnation of Herod Antipas for marrying his brother’s wife, led to his imprisonment. After Herod’s stepdaughter, Salome, danced for him on his birthday, he promised to give her whatever she asked for.

Royston has such a wonderful history, and of course, one of the most unique caves in the country; however, we have noticed that sometimes when families come into the cave, the children are not always as excited as we are! This May half term, there will be age-appropriate tours aimed at those children under the

Monthly Update – From Emma, Royston Cave Manager… April is an exciting month for Royston Cave because we begin our 2025 public tour season. The steps have been swept, the cobwebs dusted away, and the guides are ready to begin their tours. Tour prices have been frozen for this year, and times have slightly increased,

Monthly Update – From Emma, Royston Cave Manager… On the 24th of March 1603, Queen Elizabeth I died without a direct heir. King James VI of Scotland, her closest relative, became King James I of Scotland and England. He stopped at Royston on 30th April 1603 as he made his way to London for the

Monthly Update – From Emma, Royston Cave Manager…  Apart from the cross symbol, the shape of a heart appears more times within the cave than any other. There are double hearts, hearts within a hand, or hearts displayed on the tunics of figures carved on the chalk walls. It is not known when the shape