Community directory

Royston Cave

The Cave is run by volunteers from the Royston & District Local History Society. New guides are always needed.

Opening times (Easter Weekend to September):
Saturday: 2.30pm-5.00pm;
Sunday: 2.30pm-5.00pm;
Bank Holiday Mondays: 2.30pm-5.00pm.
Every Wednesday in August from 2.30pm-5.00pm.

Individual tours for interested parties can be arranged (minimum call-out charge £20.00).
Please phone the Town Clerk for more details.

The Royston Cave is a medieval, man made structure hewn out of the chalk. Workmen rediscovered it in 1742. During 1790 the Cave was excavated and a passageway into the Cave was dug out. This exposed the medieval carvings that bring visitors from all over the world.

The Cave has fascinated historians over the years. First, Dr Stukely published his work and in 1744 Rev. Charles Parkin wrote a pamphlet about the origins of the Cave. Joseph Beldam published his researches in 1852. In the 20th Century Sylvia Beamon produced her book and the Royston and District Society produced various pamphlets over the years.

Situated underneath Melbourn Street, close to the Royse Stone and the Cross the Cave is now owned by Royston Town Council and is a Grade 1 archaeological site overseen by English Heritage.

Since 1996 much restoration work has been carried out with the help of grants from English Heritage, Hertfordshire County Council, the Town Council and the History Society. More work is needed to protect and restore this unique and ever intriguing ancient monument.