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Caversham Caves Myth?
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| (Monday, 05 February 2007) Written by Mark Small |
| Some claim that the name of Caversham is derived from Caves or Caverns in the area, I really love to believe that this were true but sadly this link seems tenious at best! Although it is said that Charles I (who lived 1600 - 1649) hid in these chalk caves at some point near Surley Row, in Emmer Green. Research so far suggests that the caves are not really in Caversham but in the outskirts of Emmer Green! I've found a couple of very interesting web sites with details about the caves, namely Subterranea Britannica containing detailed descriptions and pictures of the caves, workings and mapped locations of the underlying cave system and entrances. Really quite informative! The Reading Chronical has also proven to be a useful source! The key to find information about the cave system in Caversham is to actually look for caves in Emmer Green! Sadly for me, the reality is that there may have been some caves but really these were underground chalk works for the mining of chalk for the local brick kilns of the area. The rest could have been used and probably was used as a form of fertilizer for the local farmers a fantastic source of calcium. One of the more exciting uses for the caves in recent times was during World War II, when Reading Bourgh Council used the interlinked northern mines for the secure storage of documents. It is taught that two corrugated iron shelters, a brick-built stove and chimney, and tea-chests still remain below ground. |
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The Warren - Quite Cul-De-Sac... hmm??
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| (Monday, 05 February 2007) Written by Mark Small |
| I'd heard from several sources that you could walk from The Warren down by Reading Canoe Club, along the River Thames up to Mapledurham. So, late Sunday afternoon I took off with my little boy in research of a new walk along the Thames. We drove past Reading Canoe Club, right down to the end of The Warren. Parked up, not ideal parking as its a bit to quite for my likeing! The gate at the end which I'm told is normally locked, bust from its hings and laying buckeled in half didn't inspire confidence in leaving the car. Should really have parked up back at the Church, by the canoe club. As time was limited, we didn't really have much choice. It seems to be a fairly popular spot as there was lots of walkers, although they're probably the real locals of The Warren. While waiting for my little boy to climb down from the chalk cliff, I struck up a conversation with this chap who regularly walks from here! He'd just been up to Mapledurham, had a beer while the kids had cakes... and pleasant walk back for a Sunday afternoon stroll!! Sadly, I have to admit that we didn't make it very far as my boy was still recoverying from a heavy cold over the weekend. Still, it was very interesting all the same - it looks like some local has used what looks like a chalk pit into some sort of playground. I'm guessing that this is some sort of off road dirt bike trial, although I have to say it wasn't for the faint hearted as it was pretty steep in most parts. Initially, I'd taught it was some sort of adventure type track with what appeared to be ladders.... my boy was rather excited by this apparent overgrown playground! We climbed, all the way to the top where there was a small little cave, looks like the local kids we're enjoying the view from here over looking the River Thames and futher into the distance Reading town itself. Rather excitingly, as we we're climbing down, we could hear sirens and see the blue flashing lights of the Thames River Rescue, then the Police in marked cars and even an unmarked Police Porsche[hmmm], Fire Brigade x2 or x3... lost track in the end!! There must be some very unsavoury characters that live down in The Warren!! You have to laugh! Life must be more exciting than I'd previous appreciated down by the River Thames? Just waiting for the BBC news alert!! |
