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.