Forgotten city cave set to be restored by group

BID TO SEE SNEINTON HERMITAGE RETURNED TO FORMER GLORY

- By GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

A CAMPAIGNER has been given the keys to restore a forgotten city cave.

Sneinton Hermitage is one of hundreds of caves carved into the sandstone of the city, but has all but disappeared from sight in recent years after being fenced off and hidden by overgrowth.

But thanks to the determination and perseverance of a group of volunteers, it is now set to undergo a major restoration which could see it returned to its former glory.

In the 16th century, houses, gardens, pubs and even a ballroom were built into the side of a stone cliff face which is now known as Sneinton Hermitage.

It was previously a popular tourist attraction, with rock houses which were inhabited by people until the 1860s. The historic site was also once home to a railway depot, built behind the huge rock which can be seen from the street.