Mysterious cave found hidden in hills where man lived for 40 years
A mysterious cave once home to a man for 40 years has been discovered in the Lake District hills.
Photos show the incredible ruins of the cavern once home to Millican Dalton who wanted to escape the city life.
Millican, originally from London, escaped to the hills back in the late 1800s and resided there for almost 40 years.
Millican was born to a Quaker family in 1867 and moved to London at seven following his father's death.
He had worked as an insurance clerk but when he reached 40 years old, he decided he wanted a simpler life in the countryside.
One in five Brits want to enjoy a romantic staycation this Valentine's Day
Soon after he moved to Loughton in Buckinghamshire and set up home in a wooden shack in the winter times as well as camping in the Lake District during the summer.
A popular tourist loction in the Peak District national park. (Getty Images)Finally, in the 1920s, Millican moved permanently to the Lake District into the mysterious quarried cave in Borrowdale - where he was said to live a happy life.
Millican baked his own bread, made his own clothes and was known locally for his eccentric outfits and love of dark coffee and Woodbine cigarettes.
He also worked as a climbing and walking guide and offered camping trips for those visiting the area.
Visitors who spent time with Millican often spoke of the sense of peace and relaxation that they felt after spending time with him.
Visitors who spent time with Millican often spoke of the sense of peace (Alamy Stock Photo)In a newspaper article in 1941, Millican, who was 73 years old at the time spoke of his love for nature.
He said: “I don’t sleep much, and while I am awake I lie and listen and think. There’s a lot to think about just now, isn’t there?
"All the sounds of the nights, the roar of the mountain stream, the barking of our dogs and foxes, the cries of birds, how can I be lonely with such company?"
Millican Dalton's Cave is made up of two inter-connected spilt-level caves, which were formed naturally as part of the slate quarry process.
Blue plaque placed by Loughton Town Council on Dalton's home. (Spudgun67 / Wikipedia)Despite being remote, it is close to fresh water sources and offers good shelter from any sort of weather.
Visitor moans UK's third highest mountain 'too hilly' in barmy Tripadvisor post
To this day, visitors to the caverns can find a message carved on the walls by the free-spirited philosopher, which reads "don't Waste Worrds (sic), Jump to Conclusions".
Unfortunately, Millican died in hospital in February 1947 aged 79 after suffering from pneumonia.
A blue plaque in his name was installed on the exterior wall of his former cottage in Loughton.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
