Stoke Lane Slocker

It is believed that the first person to explore the cave in modern times was a Mr Marshall from Stratton-on-the-Fosse around 1905, but major exploration and measurement of this cave really started in 1947 when Sump 1 was reached. That sump was passed the same year and the decorated chambers of Stoke Two discovered. Sumps 2 to 7 were passed over the course of the 1960s. The Bailey-Ward series of chambers was discovered in 1971. Cases of Weils Disease have been reported in those who have been into the cave.

The submerged entrance to the cave lies near the disused Stoke Lane Quarry, and from it an underground stream emerges into daylight to feed a water-source known as St Dunstan's Well. The cave has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Stoke One (the length of passage between the entrance and Sump 1), is mainly made up of low passageways. However the Bailey-Ward Series of chambers includes Bernard's Rift, which is 20 m high and contains crystal pools containing calcite-encrusted goniatite snail shells, and cave pearls. The area between Sumps 1 and 2, Stoke 2, contains a number of highly decorated chambers including the Upper Grotto, Traverse Grotto and the Throne Room…