Scott’s Grotto, Ware, Herts, UK - Earth Homes on Waymarking.com

Scott’s grotto is approached down steps from street level. The entrance to the tunnel system is via an ornate porch. Once through the porch and entrance hall a circuit of subterranean passages exist which connect several chambers to the entrance. The largest of these chambers is the Council Chamber. The Council Chamber is adorned with flints and thousands of sea shells. The roof is domed and the walls have small alcoves with seats.

The grotto was built for John Scott, an 18th century poet. It is rumoured to have cost £10,000 and took 30 years to complete. Scott inherited Amwell House from his father in 1768 and whilst re-landscaping the gardens he had the grotto built. The grotto became a popular feature with visitors, Scott kept a visitors book, which is reputed to have had three thousand names in it.

In the 1960s the grotto was part of a large house which was demolished. The site of the grotto was earmarked for development and the builder had demolished the porch and the roof of the Council Chamber before the grotto was given a stay of execution. By 1974 East Herts District Council acquired the grotto and carried out basic repairs. In 1987 the Ware Society initiated a full restoration program which was completed by April 1991. The refurbished grotto was opened by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, the chairman of English Heritage.

The grotto is open 1400-1630 on each Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday between April 3rd and September 25th. The entrance can be found between 28 and 34 Scotts Road. Visitors should bring a torch to navigate the unlit passages. Entrance is free but voluntary donations are welcomed.

Photography within the grotto is difficult. In order to get a feel for the grotto there is a virtual tour with panoramic views of the chamber at the website :-

(visit link)

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