Vestry Minutes

The Discovery Vestry Minutes The Lost Cave

A Vestry Meeting was held on May 31st 1862 to discuss the Cave found earlier that month, at which Major Galton, James Ponsford, John Berridge, Benjamin Higgs, James Hewlett, William Seaman, William Morgan, Arthur Carey, Martin Webb, Samuel Palmer, and William Southwood were present, and the following rules were drawn up:-

First That it appears to this meeting that it is most desirable that the caves on Loxton Hill should be preserved from further injury and depredations, and that the Churchwardens and Overseers be requested to take steps to protect them and that the Parishioners generally be invited to assist for this purpose.

Second To carry out the above intention that it is necessary to place a door at the East entrance and a well cover with holes in it to the shaft with a lock.

Third That no more stones should be quarried for present use at the East entrance to the cave, but that for the purpose of making a better entrance two men be employed to enlarge the passage to these caves, that this stone should in future be used on the Parish roads and therefore the labour may be paid out of the Parish rates.

Fourth That a proper Person be appointed to keep the keys and have charge of the caves to show persons through them and to take care of them.

Fifth To pay expenses of candles and trouble the following charges are fixed. For one person 3/- (three shillings). Each additional person at the same time 1/- (one shilling) extra. If persons wish to remain more than one hour inside the charge to be doubled to pay for candles, the person showing the cave never to use less than eight candles for one or two persons and two candles extra for each additional person over the number of two. And a boy always to assist to place candles in proper place to show the size of the caves properly.

Sixthly That a painted notice Board be put up near the Caves warning Persons not to injure them.

Seventhly That Mr Wm. Morgan be appointed to take charge of the keys of the caves.

Eighthly That a book be kept in which each person visiting writes his name and the sum to be paid before entering the cave which account is to be looked over from time to time by the churchwardens and overseers that two shillings shall be allowed to the Persons in charge of the caves for each party round the caves to pay for his time and the candles the remainder to be repaid to the Parish Officers But the first sum of One Pound that is collected to be paid to James Mulford for finding the caves.

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