The Mystery of Caynton Caves: Templar Link or Myth?

It’s claimed that Caynton Caves, in the English county of Shropshire, is an underground labyrinth built by the Knights Templar. It’s certainly an enigmatic underground space. But to sceptics, this has nothing to do with the knights. So, who is telling the truth?

Legends suggest the caves were used by followers of the Knights Templar, potentially in the 17th century, for worship and gatherings. That’s far too late for the original Templars and suggests Freemasons or some kind of neo-Templar group. 

The caves feature Romanesque-style carvings and structures, which initially fuelled speculation about a Templar connection. But these could just as easily be Georgian-era artwork by some esoteric sect playing at being an ancient brotherhood.

There are church-like pillars and arches, carved out of the soft rock, forming a chapel of sorts. But again, this isn’t definitive proof of a Templar place of worship. In the 18th century, secret societies like the KitKat Club (not to be confused with the Nazi-era iteration) met in dark chambers like these for spooky effect.

Historic England believes Caynton Caves are a grotto likely built in the late 18th or early 19th century, long after the Templar order ceased to exist. A 13th-century sword unearthed at the site has been linked to the Knights Templar, but its presence doesn’t definitively prove the caves were a Templar site.

Unsurprisingly, modern Satanists and Goths have adopted Caynton Caves as a site for black masses and other devil summoning activities. With a modern revival in the occult, many similar places have become forums for nocturnal summoning of demons. Again, that doesn’t prove a Templar link.

If you would like to know more about the Knights Templar, then get your hands on a copy of my book: The Knights Templar – History & Mystery. Published by Pen & Sword and available on Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, and WHSmith. Don’t miss out on your copy!