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Merlin's Cave, Great Doward is a natural limestone cave located on the eastern bank of the River Wye in Herefordshire. The cave has been a site of human occupation and cultural significance from prehistoric times, with evidence of use extending into the medieval period. The cave mouth faces south and opens into chambers within the limestone outcrop, which has been enlarged and modified by human activity over successive periods of habitation. The site carries legendary associations with the figure of Merlin, reflecting its long-standing importance in local folklore and tradition, though its principal archaeological interest lies in the stratified deposits and artefactual remains that document actual patterns of human use across several millennia.
Merlin's Cave, Great Doward is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1012448. View the official record →
Merlin's Cave, Great Doward is a natural limestone cave located on the eastern bank of the River Wye in Herefordshire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1012448.
Merlin's Cave, Great Doward is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1012448.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Offa's Dyke: section 340m south east of Coxbury Farm (8.2 km), Offa's Dyke: section in Church Grove, 240m south west of Ferney Leaze (8.6 km), Clearwater Paper Mill (8.8 km).
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Research the area around Merlin's Cave, Great Doward