Cox's Cave, Cheddar: A history (UBSS Proceedings v.18(1))

Abstract: Cox's Cave was discovered by a workman employed by George Cox in 1837 and opened to the public in the following year. Since then only small extensions have been discovered, though the opening of the Lady Chapel in 1913 encouraged the making of a second entrance. The cave was lit by gas from about 1870 and electric lighting, partially installed in 1913, fully replaced gas in 1929. The Cox family attempted to sell the cave in 1884 but a High Court decision that it was not in fact theirs to sell prevented this, although they were granted a lease of the cave. The cave returned to the control of Longleat Estates in 1939. Roland Pavey's underground activities nearby presented a potential danger to Cox's Cave between 1890 and 1904. This account has been based on contemporary accounts as far as possible, including official documents, newspapers and travel guides.