The world has no shortage of places that amaze us; whether it’s the Crooked Forest in Poland or the Eternal Flame Falls in the USA, these spots are not just intriguing but also mysterious. Under the streets of Margate, Kent, lies one of Britain’s most beautiful secrets, the Shell Grotto. It’s a 70-metre-long underground passageway where every inch of its walls and ceilings is covered in beautiful patterns made entirely of seashells. Approximately 4.6 million intriguing seashells cover more than 2,000 square feet of area. But what makes this place truly magical is not just the beautiful designs but the mystery of the origin of this place.
Britain’s Mysterious Shell Grotto Is A Sight To Behold
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The Shell Grotto is a Grade I-listed subterranean structure, which is shaped like a spiralling snake. The entrance of the passage is just over a metre wide and has several chambers, all decorated in shimmering shells. At the centre of the grotto lies the Altar Chamber, a rectangular room featuring geometric and star-like designs. This chamber has an arch at the centre that people romantically refer to as the ‘altar’. Another key spot here is the Rotunda that leads to the Dome, which allows a sliver of daylight to seep through.
The Grotto was actually discovered in 1845 by accident. When a homeowner was getting some construction work done, the workmen broke through the chalk and stumbled into this wonder, covered entirely in seashells. However, there is no record or story that explains who built it and why. It is certainly one of the most curious sites in the world, with the mystery of its origin adding to the allure.
There have been several interesting as well as bizarre theories around who created it and why. Was it someone wealthy in the 18th or 19th century with an eccentric idea? Or was it a ritual site for secret societies in ancient times? Some even proposed that it could have been the work of sea-witches. Given the Grotto’s architectural details that resemble Gothic-style arches, some believe that it was built after the 12th century. However, the mystery remains unsolved.
A Beautiful Part Of The Country’s Culture And Heritage
All the shells in the Grotto are real. Here, you will spot cockles, whelks, scallops, oysters, mussels, and limpets. They are beautifully arranged into shapes like stars, suns, geometric motifs, and spirals. The most commonly used shell is the flat winkle, which adds to the mystery of this place. Since it’s not native to Margate, people believe that it may have been sourced from the shores of the west. It entails that whoever made the Grotto not only had an eye for intricate design and a great deal of patience but also made an effort to source shells from different locations.
For a long time, gas lamps were used to light up the grotto. While the soft, golden light felt romantic, the carbon deposits over time turned the colourful shells white and grey. In 1932, electric lighting was installed, and the process to clean and restore the shell grotto was initiated. The ongoing conservation is supported by English Heritage and The Friends of the Shell Grotto, a non-profit organisation formed in 2008. After years of conservation, in 2012, it was officially removed from the Heritage At Risk Register.
Whether it was a secret temple, a hidden meeting place, or an art project, the allure of Shell Grotto lies in its mystery. Since no one knows for sure, everyone is allowed to come up with their own theory, and that’s what makes it so magical.
The next time you’re in Kent, don’t miss out on this opportunity.
Cover Image Courtesy: Shell Grotto/Instagram
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