Military Hill Caves, Dover

These four Caves, which must be manmade since chalk is geologically unsuitable for cave formation on this scale (although see Canterbury Cave), are set into low chalk cliffs visible through woods to the left of Military Hill, on the South Military Road, leading up to the Citadel on the Western Heights. The large frontal openings have been filled with quite large squared chalk blocks. A technique used in this part of the country from at least Roman times up until quite recently. Inside it is quite cave-like, there being no signs of the interiors being modified or used in any way. In both the middle two caves, with open entrances that I could get into, there were loose chalk falls at the rear. Interior dimensions were of the order of approx. 20ft wide, 20ft high and 45-55ft long. There are no signs of any buildings in front of the cliff, only a well established wood. What is their purpose? If anyone can shed any light on the reason for their construction please contact me. There are other, maybe, similar rooms cut out from the chalk at the back of Snargate Street, but in those cases there are buildings in front and the interiors have obviously been used as workshops or stores. I have now found an entrance to the far right cave (thanks to John Vaughan) which I missed on my first trip. This time a rope was needed to gain entrance, but probably because of the difficulty of getting in the interior was in better condition. This cave is similar to the other two but goes in further, about 100ft or so. There were also some interesting graffiti dating back to the 1840's.
Photos taken Feb./March 2001.

Low cliffs on Military Hill.

Entrances to two centre caves, note squared chalk blocks.

Just inside entrance to right hand cave showing thickness of wall.

Inside left cave showing extended entrance. The actual entrance is about 4ft. high

and just below the raised mound of debris in the foreground.

Looking towards the rear of the cave, which is filled to the roof with

loose chalk. To the left can just be seen a small alcove.

Towards entrance from base of loose chalk at rear of cave.

Looking up at roof , showing height of cave. Top of entrance can just be seen at bottom.

Front of far right cave.

Close up of entrance hole.

Just inside cave. Entrance hole is at top of picture.

View looking down length of cave.

Another view of cave interior. Cave is noticeably longer than other two caves.

One of the well preserved graffiti, the letters are about 3" high and deeply incised.

View inside cave, despite chalk on floor roof seemed quite stable.


	White Cliffs Underground
Military Hill Caves, Dover These four Caves, which must be manmade since chalk is geologically unsuitable for cave formation on this scale (although see Canterbury Cave), are set into low chalk cliffs visible through woods to the left of Military Hill, on the South Military Road, leading up to the Citadel on the Western Heights. The large frontal openings have been filled with quite large squared chalk blocks. A technique used in this part of the country from at least Roman times up until quite recently. Inside it is quite cave-like, there being no signs of the interiors being modified or used in any way. In both the middle two caves, with open entrances that I could get into, there were loose chalk falls at the rear. Interior dimensions were of the order of approx. 20ft wide, 20ft high and 45-55ft long. There are no signs of any buildings in front of the cliff, only a well established wood. What is their purpose? If anyone can shed any light on the reason for their construction please contact me. There are other, maybe, similar rooms cut out from the chalk at the back of Snargate Street, but in those cases there are buildings in front and the interiors have obviously been used as workshops or stores. I have now found an entrance to the far right cave (thanks to John Vaughan) which I missed on my first trip. This time a rope was needed to gain entrance, but probably because of the difficulty of getting in the interior was in better condition. This cave is similar to the other two but goes in further, about 100ft or so. There were also some interesting graffiti dating back to the 1840's. Photos taken Feb./March 2001. Low cliffs on Military Hill. Entrances to two centre caves, note squared chalk blocks. Just inside entrance to right hand cave showing thickness of wall. Inside left cave showing extended entrance. The actual entrance is about 4ft. high and just below the raised mound of debris in the foreground. Looking towards the rear of the cave, which is filled to the roof with loose chalk. To the left can just be seen a small alcove. Towards entrance from base of loose chalk at rear of cave. Looking up at roof , showing height of cave. Top of entrance can just be seen at bottom. Front of far right cave. Close up of entrance hole. Just inside cave. Entrance hole is at top of picture. View looking down length of cave. Another view of cave interior. Cave is noticeably longer than other two caves. One of the well preserved graffiti, the letters are about 3" high and deeply incised. View inside cave, despite chalk on floor roof seemed quite stable.

White Cliffs Underground

Military Hill Caves, Dover