BERKSHIRE History Society is offering the chance to get under the skin of the local are with a visit to one of Reading’s more… underground sights.
An event next week is set to explore down-to-earth local history through Caversham Chalk Mines.
Attendees will get to explore a mine shaft more than 20 metres deep, led by qualified and knowledgeable volunteers of the 89th Reading Scouts.
Chalk mining, dating back to the 1600s, has left a vast cavern system under the 89th Reading Scout grounds.
Chalk was a vital ingredient needed to make bricks–one of the industries for which Reading was famed.
Since mining ceased, the empty mines have been re-used on occasion, such as a location to store valuable archive documents during the Second World War, and also as a secret meeting location for volunteer defense volunteers.
Entry and exit is by a belay system by climbing the ladder inside the mine shaft, and those wishing to book must be confident of their ability to descend and ascend the ladder.
The Caversham Chalk Mine takes place on Tuesday, April 28, from 7pm.
Full details and booking available via: whatsonreading.com
