Tunnels and Mines...
Where the limestone was removed large caverns were created, and it is in two of these that the Tripboats pass through.
Please read on below to find out more about the history of the network.
Please also visit the Trips section, to find out more about vititing this uneque historical site.
Little Tess was originally part of a much larger cavern called Dark Cavern which had the same volume as six St Pauls Cathedrals. Dudley Council in their infinite wisdom filled Dark Cavern in in the late 1990's. Little Tess is all that remains. The Tripboat visiting Little Tess and an Audio visual show complete with lighting effects tells the history of the Dudley area uniquehe dawn of creation till the industrial revolution.
Singing cavern was last mined in the 1840's when it was just under one mile long. Over the years it was back filled. Approx 100m of cavern is all that remains today, but with 7 supporting limestone pillars, each weighing 300 tons, 2 loading shafts and the remains of one construction shaft it is easy to image what it was like in its hayday. The tripboat again stops here where a newly updated audio visual show recreates the times when the Earl of Dudley help public concert parties in the Caverns.
Hurst Cavern can be seen in the main Dudley tunnel. Last mined in the earl 1900's the limestone was transported from it by boat and by tram to the surface. Evidence can also be seen of the infilling program of Dudley Council
Murder mine entrance can be seen in Castle Mill basin but the cavern itself was filled in during the 1990's. Given its name by the locals when a womans body was found in there in the 1950's. Local theory being she sheltered in the mine during an air raid in the 1940's and couldn't find her way out
