THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 409
chambers; and the height of the caverns, as already mentioned, is somewhat
variable. The shaft of the pit ("No. 3" on the plan published in the Report
alluded to above), by which the descent has usually been made at previous
meetings, presents the following section of strata traversed :—
"The origin and raison d'etre of these interesting pre-historic pits, which
bear a general resemblance to those which occur at Crayford, Bexley, and
other places on the Kentish side of the river Thames, is still to some extent
a matter of conjecture, in spite of the extended work carried on at a great
expense in 1884 and 1887, when the accumulations of Thanet-sand, chalk,
and general debris were carefully sifted to the level of some of the original
floors ; but they are undoubtedly of great age, and in the opinion of the
authors of the Report above mentioned, and of other observers with like
experience, were used for the storage of food supplies in those early times
when life and property were equally insecure, and our land was frequently
invaded by foreign hordes. They were ancient in the time of Henry IV., and
are mentioned and figured by Camden, Blaeu, and others, some 300 years
ago; and at that time were considered of extreme antiquity. A summary of
. the old literature relating to the pits was given by Mr. Cole in Jour. E.F.C,
iii., pp. xxviii-xxxiv."
A hypothesis that the Deneholes were simply Chalk-pits has been for
many years maintained by some archaeologists and has been lately re-stated
and advocated by Mr. Dawson in the Geological Magazine. A reply by Mr.
T. V. Holmes has also appeared in the same periodical.
The pits were lighted with an abundance of candles, and the effects of
the magnesium-light were frequently tried. The visitors were conducted in
parties through the pits by Mr. T. V. Holmes and Messrs. W. and Henry A.
Cole, who did all in their power to explain the special points of interest in the
excavations. As on a previous occasion (see E.N., vit., p. 146) the explorers
were grieved to notice the great damage done by unauthorised visitors since
the work ceased in 1887—No. 3 pit, formerly the finest example, has been
irretrievably ruined.
Some 50 or 60 persons descended throughout the day, and it was not
until quite late in the afternoon that the tired "Conductors" wended their
way back to Grays for tea and trains home.
References to some recent papers on the Deneholes will be found in the
"Notes" in the succeeding parts of the E.N. In the present state of the
evidence, each side will maintain its own opinion; the question might be
conclusively decided if a denehole could be found which had become closed
soon after its abandonment by its makers or users, and had remained so until
the present time.