The bell-shaped Royston Cave, located beneath the bustling streets of Royston, England, is an artificial, man-made wonder. Within its confines are some of the most unique ancient carvings historians have ever laid eyes on, as well as one of the most enduring mysteries relating to the Crusades…
This protected ancient monument is believed to have been a secret meeting place for the Knights Templar, a medieval Catholic military order that emerged in the 12th century.
These warrior monks protected pilgrims venturing through the treacherous paths to the Holy Land during the time of the Crusades. Though disbanded by the Pope in 1312, evidence of Templar settlements near Royston supports the leading theory that they might have been responsible for the cave’s creation.
The cave was lost for centuries until it was rediscovered in 1742 by a market worker. While making repairs, he noticed an unusual millstone embedded in the ground. After digging around the stone, he managed to unearth it, revealing a hidden shaft leading down into the earth.
Below, a chamber laden with dirt and debris awaited. It was unmistakably ancient and crafted by human hands. An excavation soon commenced, driven by dreams of buried riches.
However, the first explorers were met not with tangible treasures but with intricate carvings and sculptures. The cave also housed an octagonal step platform, thought to have been a place for prayerful kneeling.
Analyses of the carvings, believed to have been made in the mid-1300s, revealed mainly religious iconography as well as holes that were likely bored into the walls to hold lamps or candles.
The carvings are unusual in their intricacy and comparable only to those found outside of Britain.
To this day, the Templar connection remains unverified. Some argue against this theory, pointing to carvings of figures in full plate armor—a style not adopted until roughly a century after the Templars’ dissolution.
Alternate theories suggest the cave might have served as a storehouse or even a neolithic flint mine.
Neither of the alternative theories explains the carvings found within Royston Cave, and its true purpose may never be confirmed…
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