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 an old medieval hermitage at St Robert’s Cave, Knaresborough, 13 years after he had disappeared. Originally Houseman was arrested for his murder, but he accused that it had been Aram who had delivered the fatal blows to Clark.
A learned man, and a pioneer of philology, Aram led his own defence, detailing only circumstantial evidence was held against him, and that there was no way of formally identifying the remains to be Clark. He cited 4 different hermitages that had been found to contain human remains, including Royston Cave.
He stated, “The bones, thought to be of anchoress Rosia, were but lately discovered in a cell of Royston, entire, fair and undecayed, though they must have lain interred for several centuries, as is proved by William Stukeley”
The jury, however, did not take long to deliver a guilty verdict, and he was executed a few days later. Whilst in confession before his death, he admitted to the murder.
The cave was found by accident in 1742, so to be discussed in a trial 17 years later, in York, shows that there must have been considerable national coverage of the discovery.
The Cave is closed for public tours during the winter, and will re-start in April 2026. Private tours and group bookings are available year round.
Please contact cave.manager@roystontowncouncil.gov.uk
Emma, Royston Cave Manager
For more information: info@roystoncave.co.uk | www.roystoncave.co.uk | FB @roystoncave
Public tours are closed during the winter, and will re-start in April 2026. Private tours and group bookings are available year round.
To find out more and book a tour, visit: www.roystoncave.co.uk
Royston Cave, Melbourn Street, Royston SG8 7BZ
