Lacy's Caves

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The cliffs and Lacy's Caves

Lacy's Caves are a series of five man-made chambers in the red sandstone cliffs beneath which flows the River Eden, just north of Little Salkeld in Cumberland, near Nunnery, at NY564383.[1]

The caves are named after Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Lacy of Salkeld Hall, who had them carved in the 18th century.[2] The reason for their creation is unknown, but they were used by Lacy for entertaining guests and the area was originally planted with ornamental gardens.[3]

The site is a listed today as a 'Regionally Important Geological Site' and public footpaths to the site are well maintained. Some of the path follows the line of a former tramway connecting Long Meg Mine with the nearby Settle–Carlisle Line. The site is situated close to Long Meg and Her Daughters and on a popular circular walk.

Outside links

References

  1. 'Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society', 1976, page 157
  2. Rose, Lesley Anne: 'Lake District' (Crimson Publishing) ISBN 978-1-85458-425-0, page 264
  3. Little Salkeld – Lacys Caves - Tourism