These tunnels were excavated by Dover wine merchant Stephen Court at the beginning of the 19th Century. They were dug into cliffs at the rear of the Courts' premises in Snargate Street, and along with terraced gardens and a folly shaped like Dover Castle on the cliff face, were a tourist attraction in their day. Wines were even made from the grapes and exotic fruits growing on the cliff terraces, and were stored in the vaults below. The tunnels are lined throughout and have alcoves in the walls, which presumably held the racks for wine bottles. The Courts' premises was demolished during or just before the Second World War, and the tunnels were linked to others further along the street to form a large air raid shelter (graffiti still remains in the tunnels from this time). After the war local building firm R.J Barwick moved onto the site and the caves have been known as 'Barwick's Caves' ever since.
Update September 2010: I was able to visit another section of these tunnels beyond a bricked up doorway, under different ownership from the main tunnels. These tunnels are used as storage, and are pictured below (after picture 9).
Both sets of tunnels are privately owned, many thanks to the owners for allowing access.
Plan of the tunnels
Tunnel connecting the two main passages
Another interconnecting tunnel, with alcoves on both sides
1940s Graffiti depicting film stars of the time
Wartime sign for Ladies' Lavatory
Another passage
Another passage
Carving on one of the walls
Another geometric carving
Wider tunnel near the entrance
The following tunnels are separated from the previous tunnels by a brick partition, as they are owned by someone else, and are accessed by a different entrance.
Looking inside
Tunnel spurring off the main tunnel
Further tunnel blocked by junk
Looking back to entrance
4 comments:
Please, Please, Please, tell me they no longer store Calor Gas down there any more, it would create a crater large enough to put four football fields in.
Courts' Wine Vaults is an exquisite haven for wine enthusiasts! The ambience effortlessly blends sophistication with warmth, creating a perfect setting for indulging in the finest wines. The diverse selection showcases a thoughtful curation, ensuring every sip is a journey of flavor. Attentive and knowledgeable staff elevate the experience, making it a true delight for both seasoned connoisseurs and those new to the world of wines. Cheers to Courts' Wine Vaults for transforming moments into memorable celebrations of taste and refinement!
Hello fellow history enthusiasts, I stumbled upon an incredible collection of whiskey bottle images that I believe will add a fascinating layer to our exploration of Courts Wine Vaults in Dover. As we delve into the depths of history, these images from Depositphotos showcase the evolution of spirits over time. Imagine the stories these whiskey bottles could tell if they were present in the vaults during their heyday. From the antique labels to the unique shapes, they might provide a glimpse into the tastes and preferences of the era. Let's raise a virtual glass to the hidden treasures beneath Dover and the intriguing artifacts that enhance our understanding of the past.
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