I can't remember when the idea of visiting The Margate Shell Grotto entered my head, but it's been there quite a few years.
So, to Margate, the shell grotto, and the paper guide:
- Discovered: 1835
- Number of shells: 4.6 million
- Length: 104ft
- Date of construction: Unknown
The Grade I-listed Shell Grotto opened to the public in 1838 and has remained a privately-owned attraction since.
As yet, no documents that mention the Grotto and pre-date it's discovery have been found: no correspondence, no maps, nothing to date the construction of the Grotto beyond doubt.
So, for the time being, theories on the Grotto's origins are just that: theories, .
We do not know who made it, when or why.
A walk through:
I couldn't resist applying some spooky organ music to the film.
Margate's... certainly living through 'interesting' times.
4 comments:
You mean these are tunnels with shell mosaics? This is AMAZING!
Yes, that's exactly what it is.
It must have taken some long time to accomplish.
The detail is obsessive.
I did wonder to myself what it must have smelt like when it was new?
(Adopts Robert Robinson style voice...)
Mr. Banished of The Pompous Land comments thus:
'Ah there you are!
It is odd there being no mention of it before the 'discovery'
Are you sure YOU didnt build this? You've been very quiet the last couple of weeks.
Hmmmm? '
Ah, yes indeed Mr. Banihed, ah, yes indeed...
(I accidentally deleted your comment instead of publishing it so I recreated it here.)
Gracious me OSM no need for apologies.
Im delighted to see that you too share my fondness for Mr.Robinson.
Could there be a more potent symbol for an age of television 'game shows' now but a distant memory? That question is, of course, for father and youngest child only.
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