Bone Hole
A unique Cheddar Gorge cave with a rich archaeological heritage, explored by the MCG.
Bone Hole, located high up in Cheddar Gorge is a fascinating and unique cave system with a rich archaeological heritage. Unlike the swallet caves common on the Mendip plateau, Bone Hole is an extremely old, dry cave, largely abandoned by active streams. Most passages are blocked by ancient boulder chokes, making it appear to be a relic feature of little interest to a cave digger at first glance. However, a strong draft throughout the cave and the knowledge of a river bursting through the gorge floor nearby in 1968 have always hinted at more to reveal.
Its position at the head of Cheddar Gorge, also makes it significant. The entrance is on the north flank of Cheddar Gorge, 45m from the road and 37m above it, making it advantageous due to its easy access.
MCG’s Long-Standing Involvement
Pre-MCG History of Investigation
Archaeological work in Bone Hole dates back to the early 19th century. The earliest report of discovery, in 1838, notes two human skeletons found after a fox was dug out. The first formal excavation was by Mr. W. Long in the same year. Later, in 1859, William Boyd Dawkins found more remains. Many of these early finds were donated to the Bristol and Oxford University Museums. It’s believed that upwards of 25 individuals were interred in the cave over its history.
Early MCG Excavations (1967-1976)
MCG members carried out significant excavations between 1967 and 1976. In 1975, the Skull Slope area was entered via a scaffold-shored shaft, leading to major finds. A crouched burial of a youth was found in an alcove, accompanied by wonderful shards of a Bronze Age beaker pot, dated to circa 2800 BC. Other finds included Roman Samian ware and an Iron Age cooking pot, showing the cave was used for burials over some 2,000 years.
Digging Projects
The Perforation Choke Project (“New Cave”)
Starting in 2009, work has focused on a tough dig through boulders at the back of the entrance chamber. For many years, Ed Waters and his dedicated team have led this challenging and often fruitless endeavour, extending the cave by some 18m by 2010 through what is now known as Perforation Choke.
The work involves breaking and removing boulders in a confined space, followed by extensive scaffold shoring to support the loose walls and roof. Described as a “tough dig by anyone’s standards,” the main way on from a small chamber leads into what has been called a “horrendously loose boulder choke”.
The “Happy New Year” Discovery (January 2015)
A Breakthrough in the Old Cave
In a remarkable breakthrough, a 71m extension to the old cave was discovered after only two digging sessions. A team including Ben Cooper, Tim Francis, Biff Frith, Tom Harrison, Mike Moxon, and Graham Price focused on a drafting spot in the roof near The Bottle Bank.
The breakthrough was achieved by digging along a tube through a mud, rock, and stalactite blockage. After a few hours of work, the team hammered through a flowstone window and emerged into a classic piece of old Bone Hole passage.
Significance of the New Passage
The “Happy New Year” extension is a 20-30m rift-controlled passage with solid walls, a rubble slope, and ancient stalactites. The passage ends in a drafting blockage where roots and other surface indicators suggest proximity to the surface. The persistent draft strongly suggests more cave to be found, with a morphology similar to parts of Reservoir Hole. This fine piece of passage is a potentially very important interim find, providing strong encouragement for diggers.
Survey
The cave has been surveyed multiple times by the MCG to document new discoveries. The current surveyed length is approximately 438m.
Current Status and Future
MCG continues to investigate Bone Hole, driven by its archaeological significance and the strong drafts that promise further exploration. Radiocarbon dating has shown the cave was used for human burials over an extended period of about 2,000 years, from the Early Bronze Age to the 8th century AD. The group is committed to carefully extending knowledge of this enigmatic cave while respecting its unique heritage and geology.
Access Information
Bone Hole is located on National Trust property and access is controlled under licence by the MCG. A leader system is in place and no carbide lamps are permitted.
Visit the Cave Keys page to request accessGallery
