Monument record 15213 - Cave in Helsby Quarry

<1> Various, Written Communication to the HER, 27/07/2020 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

Cave in overburden above Helsby Quarry, purpose unknown. The Interior is currently inaccessible but passsages though to extend a considerable distance, possibly to connect with Bear Hole. See article in Cheshire Observer 7/12/1895 -

Chester Observer 7 Dec 1895:-
Singular Discovery- Considerable interest has been aroused locally by the discovery of an extensive subterranean passages in the face of the quarry workings. These lie above the rocky stratum and are in the sandstone about 30 feet below the level of the field adjoining Alvanley Road. The passages are oval in shape and form a network that runs in a southerly direction. They have been partially explored by men with guide ropes and candles, who found that some of the passages converged into a large unpillared space. Bones were found but evidently of large animals. These caves are considered by some to be of very remote origin and the age of cave dwellers is suggested. others put them down to the excavations of hearthstone -sand getters of under a century ago, while it is also believed that water has had to do with the formation at some far distant period.


Suggestion from correspondence with a mining specialist that the caves/ passage that passages trending in a southerly direction might be following soft sand along a fracture or fault zone. Also possible that this cave/ passage predates the stone quarrying at the site.