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Cookley has many caves that are hidden from view from the casual passer by. Underneath the Bulls Head public house car park there are caves that once formed the basis of a woodscrew factory (1837 Rate book entry lists Thomas Woodyatt as the occupier) Later, when the factory closed down it became a Wire and Nail works. This ceased working in 1892. The Wire Mill owner Mr. Harrison built a row of cottages nearby to house the workers (Wire Mill Cottages also named Factory Row) Underneath these cottages, and further down the sandstone outcrop that runs to Lower Cookley, there are caves that have had many uses over the years, notably the keeping of animals, coal storage and Wreath making. The caves at the Bulls Head can be viewed by permission of the Landlord. Some of the older caves have been bricked up with slag bricks made at the local iron works for reasons of safety. The cave opening that was tunneled out to allow the Stour to enter the Ironworks is blocked up but there is still evidence there of the waterwheels used to power the machinery of the works. There is a cave by Debdale Lock that was used by the Navvies when building the canal. The cave that is most easily seen is the one named by locals as the "Wainhous". This cave is seen by all who walk or drive down Bridge Road and is located by the road bridge over the Stour. This cave has had many uses over the years, but notably like many of the other caves, was used as an air raid shelter during World War 2. The sandstone outcrop continues from this cave along the "Sling" footpath to the famous Gloucester Coppice caves, which were formed after the breakthrough of the river Stour. These are probably the largest natural caves in the area including those at Kinver. These caves situated at Debdale also give a fantastic view over the valley. Near to this cave a Paleolithic axe was found in a field by a local man Reginald Fisher. Other artifacts from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods have been found in the surrounding area by Jack Preece of Sebright Farm. Click on Thumbnail pictures to see full size Photograph
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Near Kidderminster Worcestershire UK
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