Margate Shell Grotto

[Serpo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=193&v=NpKvfoRfPjU

[ximmy]

https://www.fulltable.com/vts/s/sg/SH913.jpg

[ximmy]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xbh7JoIgjo8/Td2fW5kSyuI/AAAAAAAABt4/rS12G84DzW8/s1600/image.php.png

http://40.media.tumblr.com/aeba40b61fd2a74b065f5c6849a7019d/tumblr_nakh72bdQg1qg5ccno1_500.jpg

[ximmy]

The shell decoration consists of roughly square panels, each containing a specific design or motif with many of
the designs incorporated in the panels being sufficiently ambiguous to allow for several different interpretations.
The analysis of the symbolic meaning of the designs by several writers has lead to dates of Prehistoric, Roman, 18th
cent etc. proposed for its construction and its purpose ranging from ancient Phoenician temple to 19th century folly.
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The latest researcher is Mick Twyman of the Margate Historical Society who has
recently published the results of several years study1and believes the Grotto may have been associated with the Knights Te
mplar with a construction date of mid 12th century. His conclusions are based on the careful measuring of angles within the Grotto and the observance of the
position of projected sunlight onto the inside of the dome. (Plate II)
He has also identified design features which he suggests points to the Altar Chamber being an early temple for Masonic rituals.
Almost all of the theories of the Grotto’s origins are based on there being ‘hidden wisdom’ in the layouts of the shells.
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Conclusion
Based on a physical examination of the Grotto, reviewing accurate plans, the published literature and comparing it with other underground structures
it is the writer’s personal opinion that a small mediaeval denehole was reworked and extended at some time
after the original mining had ceased. The skill required to cut the passages to a relatively complex predetermined plan would
indicate that the date of the reworking could be from the 17th century onward although an 18th century date would seem more likely. It is probable that the shell
decoration was undertaken at the same time or very shortly afterwards. As to the purpose of this enigmatic structure the writer can make no useful
comment except that it is highly likely that the Shell Grotto’s original designer, whoever and whenever that was, has accomplished exactly what he set out to
achieve i.e., speculation, controversy and conjecture which started with the discovery in 1835 and continues to the present day

http://www.kentarchaeology.ac/authors/023.pdf