Shell Grotto (Shell Grotto)
Shell Grotto (Shell Grotto) in the city of Margate – One of the most mysterious attractions of the United Kingdom. It lies under houses and gardens at a depth of no more than two meters.
In 1835, the director of the city school James Newlov decided to make a duck pond in his garden. When he kept a pit, then suddenly the shovel fell into a deepening under the stones. He lowered his son Joshua on the rope to pick up the tool. When he returned, the boy spoke about the tunnels, which are filled with shell mosaics.
To facilitate access to the cave, the horizontal entrance. The room was first discovered for the public in 1837. Dark corridors illuminated by gas lamps.
What makes this place so mysterious, so this is what nothing is known about it. No one knows when the grotto was created, by whom and for what purpose. According to local residents, the most logical that its occurrence dates back to the time of Queen Victoria. More than 4.6 million seashells are located on an area of more than 600 square meters. Mosaics from shells decorate each part of the walls and ceilings.
Perhaps the room was used by the ancient pagan religions, like a temple or as a meeting place for secret society. Oriental motifs found on the walls led to reflections on the Phoenicians, Romans, Templars and Magas.
The attraction is privately owned, but is included in the list of buildings representing architectural and historical significance in the Heritage of England.
How to get?
Of London, high-speed trains are running to Margate from Stations of St. Pancras and Straford, they go every hour and ride about 90 minutes.
Grotto can be visited from April to the end of October, daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
In winter, on Fridays and weekends from 11:00 to 16:00. The entrance charge is only £ 3.50 per person.
