Cave with medieval Gothic 'shrine'3D ModelNoAI
Archaeology South-East’s historic buildings team were recently called to record and analyse a shallow sandstone cave in Guildford, Surrey, which was discovered following a landslip in December.
The cave is thought to be a medieval shrine or hermitage with links to the nearby church of St Catherine. The carvings and engravings, including a Gothic niche or shrine and seven or eight further niches and evidence of carved initials and other inscribed markings, are thought to date to the 14th century.
The archaeologists think the site could even have earlier origins as a place of cult activity long before the construction of the church on the top of the hill in the early 14th century, due to its pre-14th century name of Drakehill - ‘Hill of the Dragon’.
The discovery was made by rail workers from Osborne carrying out repair works on behalf of Network Rail. ASE was called in by consultancy firm Arcadis.
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