Pegwell "Gunpowder Cave"

(this entry written in 1991)

This is a strange cave that has been constructed entirely within the 6 feet of topsoil above the chalk cliffs of Pegwell Bay.
When it was first discovered (around 1990) it was perilously close to the cliff edge, and so likely has now completely subsided.

Location

The entrance to the cave is via a short tunnel, the entrance of which is located in the dense undergrowth to the left of the fence of the footpath along the top of pegwell cliffs. O/S ref 357644 at the point to the left where the path ascends three steps and continues.

Access

Access is via a short tunnel, the square entrance of which is shrouded in the undergrowth.

The entrance tunnel is crawlable, and descends steeply to a depth of approximately 2m. before opening out into a small cave. The cave however is large enough for about five people to camp in (if they so desired).

On the left corner, there is a small alter-like recess which resembles a shelf. On the main diagram, a trapdoor is drawn onm as it is almost certain that a locked trapdoor covered this square entrance during the First World War, and the wooden frame can still be seen surrounding the entrance portal. However, it seems that since 1918 the wooden trapdoor had become completely overgrown, before rotting away completely, leaving an open tunnel.

It is suspected that the cave was used as a gunpowder store in WW1, and fine black powder can still be seen lining much of the walls. It seems that since the war, it has been totally forgotten about as it has been hidden in the undergrowth, so no one thought to put a metal cover to replace the original wooden one.

Tunnel Entrance