Monument record 1449 - Wizards Cave

A cave on Alderley Edge with 'two finely cut arches and pillars visible in the red rock'. This was rediscovered by Mr Graves. A legend that the wizard Merlin guards Arthur and his Knights on Alderley Edge mentions the Wizards cave and the 'Iron Gates' at its entrance. This cave is assumed to be the one in the legend (1). OS describe the cave as a rock-cut entrance to a drift mine 1m high and 1m wide. Pillars of sandstone have been left to support the roof and the arches so-formed have probably given rise to the romantic association. There is a similar, but less ornate feature a few metres to the east (2). According to (4), this is also referred to as the 'Rock Shelter'. Approximatelky 1.5m high and 5m long and leading into three chambers, this is possibly Medieval or even earlier. It is referred to as the iron gates by Roeder & Graves (1905) who connect it to the Wizard's Legend (pictures and drawings can be found in the 'Roeder Archive' at Manchester Central Library).

<1> Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 1883 -, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 19/95-96 Roeder C 1901 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3293.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ87NE 2.8/1964 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> Stanley L D, 1843, Alderley Edge and its neighbourhood, /19-27 (Book). SCH228.

<4> 1998, Alderley Edge Landscape Project Archive (Unpublished Report). SCH4334.