Last night, while out driving in search of a different grocery store we passed a sign for
"Hell Fire Caves" (arrow pointing that-a-way). "Hell Fire Caves!" I exclaimed, "we need to go there!"
Outside, the entrance is built and designed in the manner as many of the Gothic style flint stone churches that riddle the country. Winding over a half mile in, the chalk walls were wet and milky deep into the hillside. I imagine digging through chalk to create the caves would be easier than through other solid rock. These caves and chambers were hand dug in the 1740's and you can still see the marks from tools along the walls. Mosses and small plants were growing in the meager light and warmth of some of the lighting.
At the far end, the inner "temple" room lies 300 feet below a church on the hill above. There was long rumored to be a tunnel that led from the church to the inner temple, but years of searching and logistics of a steep slippery slope have proven it didn't exist.
From the plaques lining the walls explaining the history and purported purposes of the spaces you get a sense for what it was to be a part of the Hell Fire Club. More or less the Hell Fire Club was a place for boozing, smoking and entertaining women of questionable humors dressed as nuns in order to not raise suspicions. The rich eccentric infamous Sir Francis Dashwood, carved out the ultimate hang out and created a not-so-secret notorious society that held regular meetings.
Notice I'm in a turtle necked sweater, it was a chilly, low 60's, drizzly August day where one is in need of such attire.