Water Icicle Close Cavern - Monyash
Water Icicle Close Cavern, located in the village of Monyash, Derbyshire, is an interesting mix of natural cave passages and historic mine workings. The system contains impressive formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and other beautiful cave decorations. Access to the cavern is via a 105-foot deep entrance shaft, leading into a network of passages. Water Icicle Close Cavern has historically been referred to as "Meat Mine," due to a rumor that, prior to World War II, meat intended for the black market was hung in the shaft. Its true name, however, comes from the miners who stole/sold stalactites from within the mine, using the local term "water icicle" (or "water icicle is t'Owd mon's term for stalactite").
While the original cave system is notable in itself, extensions have been discovered and explored over the years. North West Passage leads to the gated Orpheus extensions. In 2009, The Orpheus team broke through their dig to reveal an extensive series of large phreatic passages. A large metal ladder now sits below the locked and gated discovery; access requires permission.
There have been reports over the years of high carbon dioxide readings in some areas of the cave.
