10 Interesting Facts about Cheddar Gorge and Caves

With a history dating back 1.2million years, Cheddar Gorge and Caves has undoubtedly held its share of secrets.

Standing strong through Roman Invasions, Norman Conquests, Civil Wars, religious and political conflicts, the Industrial Revolution, two World Wars and a pandemic, Cheddar Gorge and Caves has seen it all!

But, here are 10 interesting facts that you might not know about Cheddar Gorge and Caves;

1. Flooding created the Gorge 1.2 million years ago

Cheddar Gorge and caves began forming 1.2million years ago during the last Ice Age. Water from melting glaciers formed a river, which over time started to wear into the limestone rocks, creating the stunning cliffs that we can see today.



The river eventually found its way underground, forming the caves.

2. The oldest human skeleton discovered in Britain was found in Gough's Cave in Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Man, a Mesolithic skeleton, was discovered in 1903 in Gough's Cave in Cheddar Gorge. Cheddar Man lived around 10,000 years ago, making him the oldest 'almost complete' skeleton discovered in Britain to date.

Cheddar Man is currently on loan to the Natural History Museum where his skeleton and facial reconstruction are on display.

3. Rare cave art has been discovered in Gough's Cave in Cheddar Gorge

Cave art is very rare in Britain and the cave art in Gough's Cave in Cheddar Gorge is limited to one small example. The 13,000 year old carving of a mammoth is only the second piece of representational cave art found in Britain to date.

4. Evidence of cannibalism has been uncovered in the caves

In 2013, the Natural History Museum published a report suggesting rather gruesome evidence of mutilation and cannibalistic rituals at Cheddar Gorge and Caves. Prehistoric remains of several individuals (including children) were found showing clear evidence of ritualistic cannibalism, including skullcaps that had been carefully shaped to create cups or bowls.

The human 'skull-cups' found at Gough's Cave are the earliest directly dated examples known. You can take a look at these at the Museum of Prehistory at Cheddar Gorge and Cave.

5. Cheddar Gorge and Caves in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Specific Scientific Interest

The stunning Cheddar Gorge and Caves have been recognised as both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As such, they have been safeguarded in the 'national interest' to protect and enhance the natural landscape and wildlife. 

6. Botanists discovered three new species of Whitebeams in Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is an important site for Whitebeams (a deciduous broadleaf tree) and in 2009 a survey carried out by the Welsh National Herbarium as part of a nationwide study identified three new species of Whitebeams previously unknown to science. These were named the 'Cheddar Whitebeam', 'Twin Cliffs Whitebeam' and 'Gough's Rock Whitebeam'.

7. Endangered Horseshoe Bats can be found at Cheddar Gorge and Caves

There are approximately 100 greater and lesser Horseshoe Bats living in Gough's Cave at Cheddar Gorge. These naturally cave-dwelling bats are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. With their numbers in decline, visitors to Gough's Cave have the rare opportunity to experience these creatures in their natural environment. 

8. Cheddar Gorge and Caves inspired JRR Tolkien's fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings

Fans of Tolkien's fantasy epic, The Lord of the Rings, will be excited to learn that Tolkien himself acknowledged that the caves at Cheddar Gorge inspired the fortress of Helms Deep, a fortified Gorge in the White Mountains of Middle Earth and the location of the Battle of Hornburg, where the Isengard-host of Saruman were finally defeated by the Army of Rohan.

Tolkien visited Cheddar Gorge on his honeymoon, and again in 1940, just before writing the passages in The Two Towers (the second book in the trilogy). 

9. Cheddar Cheese is still aged in the caves at Cheddar Gorge

We can't talk about Cheddar without thinking about their delicious Cheddar cheese! But, did you know that The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company still mature their cheese within Cheddar Gorge's natural caves today?

10. Cheddar Village was the childhood home of two 80's heartthrobs!

Fans of 80's boy band, Bros, may already know that Cheddar Village was the childhood home of Bros members Matt and Luke Goss! Jack Bessant, of the band Reef grew up nearby too, and 8-time World Professional Darts Champion, Trina Gulliver, also lives in Cheddar.

Which brings us to the end of our list. We hope that you've found these facts interesting. If we've inspired you to find out more about Cheddar Gorge and Caves and you need somewhere to stay, our peaceful adult-only campsite is located less than 3 miles away.

Find out more about The Rodney Stoke Caravan and Camping Park near Cheddar.