Cooper’s Hole
A History of Exploration, Digging, and the Quest for a Lost Cave.
The Enduring Quest for “Cheder Hole”
Cooper’s Hole is theorized to be the entrance to the historically documented “Cheder Hole,” a significant cavern in Cheddar Gorge mentioned in texts from as early as 1125. While no currently known cave fits the historical descriptions, archaeologist H. E. Balch suggested that Cooper’s Hole could be the last remnant of this lost cave’s entrance.
“There is little doubt that a fair-sized cavern in Cheddar Gorge could be entered during the Middle Ages… No cave currently found in Cheddar Gorge fits the descriptions given but H. E. Balch… suggested that Cooper’s Hole could be the remains of the entrance.”
MCG’s Decade of Digging (1959-1968)
Initiation and Early Finds
After gaining permission from the Marquess of Bath on March 8, 1959, the MCG began digging almost immediately. Early excavations revealed modern refuse, followed by layers of sand and clay containing bones, pottery, and stone chips. While the bones were often modern, the pottery was a significant find.
“The British Museum… identified [the pottery] as Iron Age B from about 1 AD… several small pieces of black earthenware which had at one time formed the base, sides and rim of several pots.”
Physical Hardship and Ingenuity
The work was arduous. Water was a constant problem, requiring bailing and the use of borrowed pumps. Spoil was removed on a sledge constructed by Tony Crawford, pulled by hand or ingeniously attached to his van via a pulley system. The dig was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the club, with numerous members and even guest groups like the Scouts and the Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards contributing to the effort.
The “New Dig” Breakthrough
A significant breakthrough occurred in 1962. A new dig, led by Don Searle and Malcolm Cotter, revealed a tight upward squeeze leading to a high, clean rift passage. In a surprising discovery, they found man-made steps cut into the stalagmite floor. This led to a chamber with a 30ft high roof and the bones of an arctic fox, identified by Professor E. K. Tratman.
The Great Storm and Later Discoveries
End of an Era
The “Great Storm of July 10th/11th 1968” marked a turning point. Floodwaters severely impacted the site, and active digging by the MCG largely ceased. The logbooks fall silent on the topic, signalling the end of a major chapter in the cave’s exploration.
BEC’s Involvement (1980)
In 1980, members of the Bristol Exploration Club (BEC) made new discoveries. Blasting a choked aven resulted in a “raining” cascade of boulders, dramatically altering the approach to an area known as Thynne Squeeze. Later that year, a footpath above the cave collapsed, opening a dangerous new 4m wide, 20m deep “top entrance,” which was subsequently fenced off.
Survey
MCG and other groups have undertaken surveys of Cooper’s Hole over the years to document the explored passages. The survey below shows the known extent of the cave.