360° panoramic view of the inside of the Cave.
If you cannot see the image, please download Quicktime. To explore the Cave, left click on the picture and move up, down, left or right!
ENLARGE IMAGE
Royston Cave is unique in Europe. Believed to date from the 14th Century, it is a man-made cavern
in the shape of a beehive, with a small aperture at the top for ventilation. It's most remarkable
feature is an extensive range of wall carvings representing the Crucifixion,
the Holy Family and several saints, among them St Katherine, St Laurence and St Christopher. Other carvings are
less easily identified and some have been interpreted as possible pagan symbols.
The carvings are medieval in appearance and some studies of the Cave
have drawn comparisons from the wall carvings and other sources to
indicate that it may have been used by the Knights Templar.
Other studies point to the existence of Masonic symbols within the Cave
that could link the Cave to James I who was himself a Freemason and who
maintained a hunting lodge at Royston.
Others believe the Cave is a spiritual centre where two significant ley-lines cross whilst other studies indicate that the Cave may simply have been a hermitage or a prison.
What is certain though is that there is very little hard evidence to
support the various theories as no records exist as to its use or
purpose and dating is very difficult for a number of reasons including
the lack of organic material and contamination since the Cave was
re-discovered.
The Cave is a mystery and a visit to see for yourself and make up your own mind is a must.
ROYSTON CAVE
