Around that time not only was Benjamin Franklin wanted as a traitor to the crown but he was also wanted for scientific experiments on corpses he would buy from nefarious characters. Many remains were found when they dug under his home in London
I was last down there 67 years ago when I was 10 years old. The old boys in the local pubs would tell you stories when they were young you brought your own candle to venture down the caves. I can still remember how glad I was to exit and see sunlight which was quite ironic as I spent 15 years of my life travelling the world with a mining company.
Every time I see hellfire club - I’m hooked. Read a book about Sir Francis Dashwood when I was a kid and have been fascinated by the whole thing every since. Loved this post, loved your presentation, loved every thing about it. Thank you sooo much. I’ve had a bad day, now I’m a happy boy. When it comes to the hellfire club, I’m easily impressed and pleased. You could have shown a series of badly done sketches and my response would have been the same. So glad you didn’t. Much love and many, many Blessings, ❤,❤,😊
This was another fantastic walk. Interesting, informative, every time you took a turn in the corridors I expected there to be a ghost🤭. Thank you for this great walk. I'm already looking forward to the next one. Thank you Nic ❤🤗
Lets go!! Nicola of Walking the Weird, not to far away from me...the morselium is a typical build of the Chilten Hills area, loads of flint and limestone chalk clumped together to form the walls. Beautiful countryside round there as well Love this...top job pet! 👍👍
I grew up in High Wycombe, there was a story about the Roman numerals on the wall that it was an indicator of another entrance to the caves. Great video.
Really looking forward to this one and not disappointed, thanks Nic x There's a book available called The Hell Fire Club by Daniel P Mannix, definitely worth a read. Looking forward to the next one ❤️
For better or for worse dashwood knew how too party in style i wonder what he would make of his thrill seeking place becoming a public attraction .Thankyou nic for another well presented video
Hi Gemma! No, I didn't find them claustrophobic, and usually, I can feel that way. I can imagine they'd feel really spooky if you were alone down there.
What they did to poor Mr. Whitehead was just heartless. Seriously though, this was very interesting. There was an Irish Hellfire Club at a place called Montpelier Hill in the Dublin Mountains overlooking the city. It was founded about the 1730's and burned down some years later. Various legends have grown up around the hedonistic activities of the members and the area is reputedly haunted. Thank you Nic.
I love you singing Deeper Underground (Jamiroquai, for all those undoctrinated). You're a GEM. The references to Most Haunted especiallly Derek Acorah is simultaneously nostalgic and hilarious.
did you know that the film staring Christopher lee to the devil a daughter was filmed in the west Wycombe mausoleum / the ball as its known locally is hollow and at one time they would sit inside it playing cards
Thank you for this Nic, a fascinating insight into the caves, I had been meaning to visit since retiring 6 years ago but hadn't got round to it yet, you have inspired me to get over there!
Some years ago when I was about 12 or 13 my late father was at the church filming for TV and he took me along. We went up the tower to just below the ball. There was a wooden walkway around it and there was a ladder and a door in the ball with seating inside.
@PocketSunlight you do need to register the drone to gain an operator id. There is a test available online with the Civil Aviation Authority. Things vary depending on the weight of the drone but everything is on the CAA website.
If you were to have visited the grounds of West Wycombe House across the road, you would have seen several homages built to carnal desire by Francis Dashwood. The one that first springs to mind is The Temple of Venus ... an oval grotto. Or a symbolic depiction of a vulva with legs spread wide to guide you to enter it. The stonework is extended by earthen banks to complete the open leg metaphor. Above the vulva, sorry grotto entrance, is a statue of (memory is not so good - Pan? Some impish demi-god) that represents naughtiness and, of course, the clitoris. Apparently, in the Hellfire Club days, "nuns" and ladies of renown who wished to remain anonymous, were persuaded in to the grotto, the entrance of which was covered by a curtain, and ... entertained. There is lots more of a similar nature.
@@walkingthewyrd Genuinely interesting, whatever your opinions of the lasciviousness - you can choose "pretty landscaping object" or "really rude" symbolism. So great for kids and adults alike
I don't think you are correct that the caves are 250 metres below the church. The church is at about 150 metres above sea level. The cave entrance is about 120 metres above sea level. That would necessitate the interior of the caves to drop another 130 metres.
The flooring looks and sounds like West Kennet Longbarrow's flooring, where as a 14 year old boy I took 13 little quarts stones over 30 years ago, they still live in a little treasure chest I made for them. I know it was modern infill to protect the real stones of the site but they had lived there for years so it counted and it wouldn't be right to take anything original (too much responsibility for me).
I've heard of these caves, but never been there. I shall not be going there now, as I am too old, and tall for caves. Sukie or Suky? The only other character of that name that I have heard of, took off the kettle that Poly had put on. Bye!
Around that time not only was Benjamin Franklin wanted as a traitor to the crown but he was also wanted for scientific experiments on corpses he would buy from nefarious characters. Many remains were found when they dug under his home in London
Yikes! That's pretty messed up!
Been waiting for this 🤘
Mythos the legend in with the 1st comment 🙌🏻
Cracking edit. Never heard of this place... what a quirky story.
It's definitely a wyrd one! Thanks for watching, Paul. 😊
I was last down there 67 years ago when I was 10 years old. The old boys in the local pubs would tell you stories when they were young you brought your own candle to venture down the caves. I can still remember how glad I was to exit and see sunlight which was quite ironic as I spent 15 years of my life travelling the world with a mining company.
Well what a surprise this was, and so quirky! Fascinating. Thanks for another excellent episode, Nic.🙂
You're most welcome, Simon!
@@walkingthewyrd 🙂
The cave walk was wonderful, Nicole. I love the historical research you do for your walks. Ty for taking me along on the adventure. 🖤👍🏻🖤
You're so welcome, Veronica! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Found my new fav channel glad I subbed
I'm glad you subbed too, Chris! Thank you muchly 😊
Every time I see hellfire club - I’m hooked.
Read a book about Sir Francis Dashwood when I was a kid and have been fascinated by the whole thing every since.
Loved this post, loved your presentation, loved every thing about it. Thank you sooo much.
I’ve had a bad day, now I’m a happy boy. When it comes to the hellfire club, I’m easily impressed and pleased. You could have shown a series of badly done sketches and my response would have been the same.
So glad you didn’t. Much love and many, many Blessings, ❤,❤,😊
I'm so glad you liked this one, Iain! It's certainly an intriguing club! Thank you for watching. ❤️
This was another fantastic walk. Interesting, informative, every time you took a turn in the corridors I expected there to be a ghost🤭. Thank you for this great walk. I'm already looking forward to the next one. Thank you Nic ❤🤗
Thank you Panaka! I always appreciate your kind comments. They keep me going! ❤️ Next walk, I'm back out in the beautiful countryside. See you then! 😊
Very well done and presented, really enjoyed this and added it to my must-visit list👍
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! Definitely worth a visit.
Great video Nic. What an amazing place to explore!
Hi Dave! It was certainly a very interesting one!
Lets go!! Nicola of Walking the Weird, not to far away from me...the morselium is a typical build of the Chilten Hills area, loads of flint and limestone chalk clumped together to form the walls. Beautiful countryside round there as well Love this...top job pet! 👍👍
Cheers, Mr Dead Cold! Glad you liked it 🙂
A fantastic video Nic, great story behind it, 10 out of 10, luv it🥰
Hey Lee! Thanks for watching. 😊
Very interesting, loved the video. They were a screwed up bunch for sure lol. Thanks Nic ❤
They sure were, Alison! Thanks for watching 🙂
I grew up in High Wycombe, there was a story about the Roman numerals on the wall that it was an indicator of another entrance to the caves. Great video.
Wow what a fascinating place !! Enjoyed as always 😊 thanks Nic 🖤
Thank you, Jaya Dee! ❤️
❤❤ such an amazing video! And so well put together, too. 🎉
Thanks so much, Cheza Doodle! 😊❤️
I live near this place & have gone down on the caves a few times & have walked round the grounds, such a beautiful view from the top 😊😊😊😊
Smashing video Nic, thank you! I have not been there for about 25 years, so lovely to see it again!
You're so welcome, Kate! I bet it's not changed much since your visit!
Brilliant video. Expertly presented and very informative!
Thank you! I'm really glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing
Thanks Julie! I hope you enjoyed it. 😊
i would have definatley gone to one of those hell fire parties😁
🤣🤣
Really looking forward to this one and not disappointed, thanks Nic x
There's a book available called The Hell Fire Club by Daniel P Mannix, definitely worth a read.
Looking forward to the next one ❤️
Glad you liked it, Sarah! 😊
I seem to always enjoy your videos! You must be a very interesting young lady! Best of luck and safe travels.
I'm so glad you're enjoying them! Thank you for your kind comment.
@walkingthewyrd Simply a Pleasure. My Pleasure!
Hi nic..great vid as usual...hope ur doin well this week..👋😁
Hey Mike, I'm doing well, thanks. Hope you're having a good week too. 🙂
Have never seen so much detail on the mausoleum or the caves before. Another amazing walk! Thank you, Nic! 🖤
Thank you, Jodi! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Always wanted to go to this place. Grated vid :)
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mr Grey! 😊
That was a nice surprise seeing this tonight 😊
Yay! Glad you like it! 🙂
Thanks a great walk through and I got a strange photo of flowing lights when I went.
For better or for worse dashwood knew how too party in style i wonder what he would make of his thrill seeking place becoming a public attraction .Thankyou nic for another well presented video
He certainly was a bit of a party animal! A very strange place and story for sure! Thanks for watching, much appreciated 🙂
Fantastic video, Nic. Even though I've seen this location before, I never grow weary of viewing it. From Adelaide in Australia, greetings. 🦘🦘
@peterb3772 thank you, Peter! It's a fascinating location!
So interesting! Did you find the caves claustrophobic at all?
Hi Gemma! No, I didn't find them claustrophobic, and usually, I can feel that way. I can imagine they'd feel really spooky if you were alone down there.
Always wanted to go there 👀👏
It's a very cool and spooky place! 👻
What they did to poor Mr. Whitehead was just heartless. Seriously though, this was very interesting. There was an Irish Hellfire Club at a place called Montpelier Hill in the Dublin Mountains overlooking the city. It was founded about the 1730's and burned down some years later. Various legends have grown up around the hedonistic activities of the members and the area is reputedly haunted. Thank you Nic.
Thank you for watching! Much appreciated.
I love you singing Deeper Underground (Jamiroquai, for all those undoctrinated). You're a GEM. The references to Most Haunted especiallly Derek Acorah is simultaneously nostalgic and hilarious.
I've found my people! Thank you, Space Cowboy!
@@walkingthewyrd YEAH YOU HAVE
Followed just now on IG. 😘
did you know that the film staring Christopher lee to the devil a daughter was filmed in the west Wycombe mausoleum /
the ball as its known locally is hollow and at one time they would sit inside it playing cards
I didn't know about the film but I did know you could sit in the ball! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you for this Nic, a fascinating insight into the caves, I had been meaning to visit since retiring 6 years ago but hadn't got round to it yet, you have inspired me to get over there!
Wonderful! I hope you enjoy your visit. It's a fascinating place!
It's many decades since I visited Hellfire Caves, probably in the late 1950s when I was about 12 years old, with my mother on a coach trip.
Some years ago when I was about 12 or 13 my late father was at the church filming for TV and he took me along. We went up the tower to just below the ball. There was a wooden walkway around it and there was a ladder and a door in the ball with seating inside.
Hi there, I thought you were very brave to go down there on your own, I would probably have got creeped out. Thanks for the video
Thank you! It wasn't too bad as there were lots of other visitors within the caves. They are definitely spooky, though!
Great video! I found it quite precarious getting up that hill in the winter haha, but looks beautiful in your footage
I can imagine that would be a bit of a challenge in wet weather! 😄 Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.
Absolutely loved this video, great presentation, I'm a new subscriber, but I will be feasting on you videos, I love the subjects.
That's great to hear, thank you, and welcome!
Was just told about your channel by a subscriber to mine, so I thought I’d ‘check you out’ - very interesting stuff! What drone are you using?
Hi there! Thanks for checking out my channel. Much appreciated! The drone I use is the DJI Mini 4 Pro. I'm still learning how to use it really! 😅
@@walkingthewyrdHi 2! Thanks for letting me know about the drone - did you need a flying licence or have to take a test?
@PocketSunlight you do need to register the drone to gain an operator id. There is a test available online with the Civil Aviation Authority. Things vary depending on the weight of the drone but everything is on the CAA website.
@@walkingthewyrdCheers for that 🤗 from @HimInChurch ( just realised I'd responded from my other yt channel!).
@HimInChurch most welcome!
If you were to have visited the grounds of West Wycombe House across the road, you would have seen several homages built to carnal desire by Francis Dashwood. The one that first springs to mind is The Temple of Venus ... an oval grotto. Or a symbolic depiction of a vulva with legs spread wide to guide you to enter it. The stonework is extended by earthen banks to complete the open leg metaphor. Above the vulva, sorry grotto entrance, is a statue of (memory is not so good - Pan? Some impish demi-god) that represents naughtiness and, of course, the clitoris.
Apparently, in the Hellfire Club days, "nuns" and ladies of renown who wished to remain anonymous, were persuaded in to the grotto, the entrance of which was covered by a curtain, and ... entertained.
There is lots more of a similar nature.
Sounds like another visit is in order!
@@walkingthewyrd Genuinely interesting, whatever your opinions of the lasciviousness - you can choose "pretty landscaping object" or "really rude" symbolism. So great for kids and adults alike
Awesome video! I would like to add though, the transition sound at ~0:40 is a bit loud and grating for headphone users
Thanks for the tip!
nice work , you should look into the hauntings of Old Crofton Church in Stubbington Hampshire.....another monk haunting from the doomsday book.
Thank you! Always appreciate a recommendation to explore!
I guess they are where they wanted to be. I understood that Ben Franklin attended the meetings while he served American in England.
Yes, I read the same about Franklin!
😢what an evil organisation that was the HFC
They certainly seemed it!
I don't think you are correct that the caves are 250 metres below the church. The church is at about 150 metres above sea level. The cave entrance is about 120 metres above sea level. That would necessitate the interior of the caves to drop another 130 metres.
You're most likely correct. I am absolutely terrible at maths and just recited the figure I saw on the internet.
@@walkingthewyrd always make sure you get your misinformation from reliable source 😄
The flooring looks and sounds like West Kennet Longbarrow's flooring, where as a 14 year old boy I took 13 little quarts stones over 30 years ago, they still live in a little treasure chest I made for them. I know it was modern infill to protect the real stones of the site but they had lived there for years so it counted and it wouldn't be right to take anything original (too much responsibility for me).
What a lovely memory! I'm glad you've still got the stones!
I've heard of these caves, but never been there. I shall not be going there now, as I am too old, and tall for caves.
Sukie or Suky? The only other character of that name that I have heard of, took off the kettle that Poly had put on. Bye!
Have never seen so much detail on the mausoleum or the caves before. Another amazing walk! Thank you, Nic! 🖤