On the western side of Royston Cave stands Saint 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.
When the Roman Emperor began persecuting Christians, Catherine visited him to condemn his cruelty. She argued so forcibly that, rather than order her execution, Maxentius summoned 50 of the best philosophers to debate her and promised them great rewards if they could outsmart her. Catherine spoke so eloquently in defence of her faith that, one after another, the philosophers admitted defeat and converted to Christianity.
The emperor then ordered her to be executed on a breaking wheel. Catherine went to die willingly but, according to legend, the wheel shattered when she touched it. Known fondly as the Catherine wheel, it now most famously gives its name to the spinning firework.
Alternatively, those who believe Royston Cave to be of pagan origin claim that the figure depicted in Royston Cave is not St. Catherine but Persephone, Queen of the Underworld. They suggest that the geomantic position of the cave is correct for an entrance to the underworld, centred at the crossing-point of the Michael and Mary Ley lines and the two major ancient roads, Icknield Way and Ermine Street.
To celebrate her feast day, Royston Cave will be open for public tours on 25th November. Please book your tickets online at www.roystoncave.co.uk/events
By Emma Shaw – Royston Cave Manager
