Description
The submerged entrance to the cave lies near the disused Stoke Lane Quarry, and from it an underground stream emerges into daylight to feed a water-source known as St Dunstan's Well. The cave has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Stoke One (the length of passage between the entrance and Sump 1), is mainly made up of low passageways. However the Bailey-Ward Series of chambers includes Bernard's Rift, which is 20 metres (66 ft) high and contains crystal pools containing calcite-encrusted goniatite snail shells, and cave pearls.
The area between Sumps 1 and 2, Stoke 2, contains a number of highly decorated chambers including the Upper Grotto, Traverse Grotto and the Throne Room which contains a 3 metres (10 ft) high stalactite boss named The King and a second stalactite, 2 metres (7 ft) high, named The Queen after Queen Victoria. The once-spectacular formations in the Princess Grotto have suffered damage since the cave was discovered. When the Bone Chamber, which is not decorated, was found it contained a number of human and animal bones, along with ash and charcoal.
Beyond the second sump is a long stretch of passage containing a further six sumps.
| Sump | Length of dive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sump 1 | 18 inches (46 cm) | Free-divable |
| Sump 2 | 10 metres (33 ft) | Fully equipped divers only |
| Sump 3 | ? | Can be by-passed |
| Sump 4 | 20 metres (66 ft) | Fully equipped divers only |
| Sump 5 | ? | Can be by-passed |
| Sump 6 | 12 metres (39 ft) | |
| Sump 7 | 15 metres (49 ft) | Very tight |
| Sump 8 | ? | Boulder-choked; cannot be passed |
Read more about this topic: Stoke Lane Slocker
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