Hidden beneath the trendy seaside town of Margate in Kent lies a truly peculiar underground attraction – the Shell Grotto. This unique site boasts over 2,000 square feet of wall and ceiling space adorned with intricate mosaics made entirely from seashells. But the true enigma lies in its origin – no one knows why it was built.
A Mysterious Wonder
The Shell Grotto has captivated visitors for decades, not only for its stunning beauty but also for the unanswered questions surrounding its creation. Despite its discovery in 1835, historians believe that it predates even that era. While some locals speculate that it was merely an extravagant creation of a wealthy individual during the 18th or 19th century, others propose more mystical theories.
Tales of Mystery and Intrigue
Legend has it that the Shell Grotto was once a meeting place for sea witchcraft or even connected to secret societies like the Knights Templar or the Freemasons. Another intriguing theory suggests that it may have been built by the ancient Phoenicians, skilled seafarers who established colonies around the first millennium BCE. However, the gothic-style arches found in the grotto contradict this ancient origin, leading some to believe they were added at a later date.
The Shells Tell a Story
The mosaics within the Shell Grotto are comprised mainly of local shells, such as mussels, cockles, whelks, limpets, scallops, and oysters. These shells were likely sourced from nearby bays like Walpole Bay, Pegwell Bay, Sandwich Bay, and Shellness. However, the inclusion of flat winkles, not commonly found in the area, suggests that they might have been brought from shores near Southampton.
An Enduring Enigma
Although the general consensus is that the Shell Grotto was discovered in 1835, the earliest recorded mention of it comes from an article in the Kentish Mercury’s ancestor in May 1838. This article describes a large underground grotto adorned with shell mosaics, hinting at its enduring allure. Over the years, the grotto has faced challenges, such as the replacement of gas lights with electric lights in 1932 and the gradual loss of color and water damage to the shells. However, thanks to a five-year conservation project in collaboration with English Heritage, the grotto has been preserved and even restored with the Roundel Project.
Uncover the Mystery
Now listed as a Grade I historic building, the Shell Grotto welcomes visitors to explore its wonders. You can also visit the grotto’s museum and nearby gift shop, where you can delve deeper into its fascinating history. During the winter season, the grotto is open from Thursday to Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM. Admission costs £4.50 for adults, £2 for children, and £4 for concessions. Infants under four years old can enter for free, and a family ticket for two adults and two children is available for £10.
Embrace the Charm of Margate
Margate has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years. Time Out even named one of its neighborhoods as one of the “trendiest in the world.” The town also found itself featured in the Sam Mendes film, “Empire of Light,” starring Olivia Colman. Additionally, an £1.8 million attraction is set to open in Margate, featuring a new pavilion, pool access, and a beach lift.
Discover the mystery that lies beneath Margate’s surface at the Shell Grotto – a truly unique and captivating underground attraction. To learn more about this fascinating place, visit Pet Lovers Diary for the full article.