In 2021, archaeologists made an extraordinary discovery, identifying a British cave dwelling as the refuge of an exiled Anglo-Saxon king. Once dismissed as a quirky architectural joke, this historic site, known as Anchor Church Caves, has been confirmed as the home of a king forced into a life of solitude.
A Royal Refuge by the River Trent
Nestled along the River Trent in central England, the 1,200-year-old cave structure is believed to have been constructed during the life of King Eardwulf of Northumbria. Overthrown and exiled in A.D. 806, Eardwulf spent his days as a hermit, eventually achieving sainthood. Legends claim that the king, later known as St. Hardulph, sought solace within these caves during his banishment.
Tracing the Clues to Eardwulf’s Exile
Historical records offer limited details about Eardwulf’s exile. A 16th-century text noted his residence in a “cell in a cliff a little from the Trent,” and his final resting place, dated to A.D. 830, lies five miles from the caves. The reasons for his banishment remain unclear, though his short reign and turbulent era suggest political intrigue played a role.
A Kingdom of Chaos
Eardwulf’s rule came during a volatile period in medieval England when seven major kingdoms and over 200 kings battled for power. After two of his predecessors were murdered, Eardwulf ascended to the throne in A.D. 796. His reign over Northumbria lasted a mere decade before he was deposed—possibly by his own son—and forced to live in exile within the rival kingdom of Mercia.
A Sacred Life in Solitude
During his years in the cave, Eardwulf reportedly lived with a small group of disciples. Archaeologist Edmund Simons from the Royal Agricultural University noted that it was not uncommon for dethroned royalty to adopt a religious life during this period, with some achieving sainthood. For Eardwulf, becoming a hermit in the caves offered a path to sanctity and peace.
Uncovering Anglo-Saxon Architecture
Simons and his research team mapped out the caves using drones and architectural analysis. Their work revealed that the caves originally contained three rooms and a chapel, all designed in a style consistent with Saxon architecture. Facing east, the chapel reflected the era’s religious practices and highlighted the site’s historical significance.
A Touch of 18th-Century Luxury
Centuries after Eardwulf’s time, the caves were transformed by Sir Robert Burdett, an English aristocrat. In the 18th century, Burdett enlarged the entrances, added brickwork and window frames, and turned the caves into a cool, atmospheric venue for hosting dinners. This renovation preserved the caves while giving them a new purpose.
Preserving History Through Cave Dwellings
Cave dwellings like Anchor Church Caves may be the only surviving domestic structures from the Saxon period, according to Simons. His team has identified 20 similar cave homes in west-central England, some dating as far back as the 5th century. These discoveries suggest that many more such sites from Anglo-Saxon England may still await uncovering.
Discovering the Legacy of Anchor Church Caves
Anchor Church Caves stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of history. From its use as a royal refuge to an 18th-century social venue, the site has endured centuries of transformation while retaining its connection to the past. With ongoing research, the story of this remarkable cave and its royal occupant continues to captivate and inspire.