Hob Thirst Cave.

Hob Thirst Cave, located in the picturesque Deep Dale of Derbyshire, is a site rich in history and folklore. Its name, derived from ‘Th’ Hurst House’, is linked to the local legend of a goblin named Hob, believed to inhabit the cave. The goblin, part of the local lore, was said to bring success to the farm and mend items left in the cave. However, if angered, Hob could turn milk sour and spread panic.

The cave itself has a significant archaeological history. Discovered in 1884 to have been inhabited in ancient times, it was excavated by local men Micah Salt and Robert Millett, who found bones, pottery and other artifacts. The entrance of the cave is described as singularly artificial in appearance, with an elliptical arch set within a shallow rectangular recess in the rocky face.

The cave extends into a second chamber where most of the Romano-British objects were found, including brooches, toilet accessories, tweezers, pins, finger rings, coins and a pendant ornament. Iron objects, pottery, glass beads, bone objects, and several flint implements were also discovered, indicating a rich history of occupation and use.

In 1896, a human skeleton was uncovered below the entrance of the cave, laid at full length in an enclosure constructed of massive blocks of limestone, accompanied by three bronze objects. This find suggests that the cave may have served as a burial site during the Roman period.

The cave’s folklore and archaeological findings paint a picture of a place that has been part of human stories and activities for centuries. It stands as a testament to the blend of myth and history that characterizes many ancient sites across Britain. Thirst House Cave continues to fascinate both Historians and visitors with its mysterious past and the legends that surround it.