Everyone knows it's got to be true if it's on Wikipedia :lol:Quote:
Crank Caverns is the common name of what is in fact the remains of the Rainford Delph Quarry. It is a network of underground tunnels and caverns, as well as an extensive woodland. Information in the St. Helens local history archives states that mining began here as early as 1730, with a small stone quarry known as Rainford Delph.
A bit of history can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crank_Caverns
My favorite bit being the Myths and Legends surrounding it. ;)
One of the famous Local Myths was the story of the children who went down Crank Caverns in the late 18th century. Four children decided to explore the limestone caverns in the area and vanished. One child survived and told a terrifying tale about small old men with beards who killed his three friends and chased him. The petrified child stumbled over human bones in the caves and finally managed to scramble through an opening to the surface as a hand was grabbing at his ankle. The authorities were concerned because a number of people had gone missing in the area near the cave entrances. Two heavily armed soldiers descended into the caverns with torches and claimed that they not only found a heap of human bones, they also found the ruins of an ancient church of some unknown denomination. The interior of the church was lit by three large candles and grotesque gargoyles formed part of an altar. Throughout the exploration of the underground, the soldiers said they felt as if they were being watched, and also heard voices speaking in an unknown language. One report said that a child's head was found in a cave, along with evidence of cannibalism. After a second investigation, the caves either collapsed or gunpowder was used to seal them, and so the riddle of the underground church of Crank Caverns remains unsolved.
These are the first caverns, they seem to go knowhere.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...0Caverns/1.jpg
Looking out of the first section.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...0Caverns/2.jpg
Second one links upto the first section Couldnt find any tunnels.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...0Caverns/3.jpg
The right side is just a cavern, The left side is were the trail begins.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...0Caverns/4.jpg
The entrance is a bit of a squeeze.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...0Caverns/6.jpg
Looking back thinking why did i watch The Decent recently.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...Caverns/15.jpg
Not a very flattering shot but it shows the size of the entrance section. Its like this for about 15-20 metres.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...0Caverns/7.jpg
Then gets tighter and finally opens up to standing height.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...0Caverns/8.jpg
There are numerous holes scattered about the place, Didnt go down this one but it deserves another visit to see where it goes.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...0Caverns/9.jpg
Someone else had already set a network of strings (seen on the floor)
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...Caverns/10.jpg
This passage goes on for about 60 metres or so. With more small passageways in different directions. Then drops down through the floor.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...Caverns/12.jpg
Went on for about another 40-50 metres before having to turn back as a case of claustrophobia struck a friend.
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/o...Caverns/13.jpg
Havnt a clue exactly how much distance we covered,
Going back very soon to carry on where i had left off.
