In this episode of Hidden Heritage, listeners are in for a treat as Lady Violet Manners takes them on an entrancing journey into the heart of the illustrious Hellfire Caves with Victoria Dashwood Chase.
Unravel the mystique surrounding these ancient underground passages, delve into their tumultuous history with the notorious Hellfire Club, and witness the metamorphosis of this captivating heritage site.
From delving into the architectural marvels and the family-friendly escapades to recounting ghostly encounters, this is an episode that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Prepare to uncover what sets the Hellfire Caves apart as a spellbinding attraction, gain insight into the plans aimed at enriching visitor experiences, and become engrossed in the timeless tales of wonder and fascination nestled beneath the English countryside.
Join us for an expedition through time and tradition as Hidden Heritage unveils the enigmatic mysteries of the Hellfire Caves.

Key Points:
00:00:05 - Introduction to the podcast and the topic of the Hellfire Caves.
00:02:18 - Explanation of the connection to the Hellfire Caves and the ancestor Sir Francis Dashwood.
00:04:10 - The history of the Hellfire Club and Sir Francis Dashwood's involvement in its establishment.
00:07:50 - Description of Sir Francis Dashwood's personality and eccentricities.
00:09:09 - Details about Sir Francis Dashwood's previous clubs before the Hellfire Club.
00:10:44 - The connection between the Hellfire Caves and Benjamin Franklin.
00:11:10 - Sharing of ghost stories associated with the Hellfire Caves.
00:14:17 - Discussion of the frequency of the Hellfire Club meetings.
00:15:09 - A story about John Wilkes dressing up as a baboon and causing mischief.
00:16:30 - The historical significance of the Hellfire Caves and its connection to America.
00:19:17 - The highlights of visiting the Hellfire Caves and the wider estate today.
00:22:09 - Suggestions for other activities and places to visit in the area.
00:25:20 - The annual events and experiences offered at the Hellfire Caves, including Halloween and Christmas.
00:27:18 - Hopes for the future of the estate and creating more experiences for families.

Guest Info
Victoria Dashwood Chase is a descendant of the renowned Sir Francis Dashwood, the 18th-century aristocrat who commissioned the construction of the Hellfire Caves in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The caves, originally created between 1748 and 1752, served as a meeting place for the infamous Hellfire Club, a secret society known for its libertine activities and influential members.After being closed for nearly 200 years, the Hellfire Caves were reopened in the late 1940s and early 1950s by Victoria's grandfather, Sir John Dashwood, who was inspired to restore the caves following a holiday to New Mexico. The restoration project aimed to transform the caves into a tourist attraction, and since their reopening in 1951, they have welcomed over two million visitors.
Victoria Dashwood Chase, who holds a degree from Edinburgh University, is actively involved in the family business. She focuses on the experiential and event side of the tourist attraction, leveraging the unique historical and cultural significance of the Hellfire Caves to offer a variety of engaging experiences for visitors. Her work includes organising events, tours, and other activities that highlight the rich history and mysterious allure of the caves

About:
Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritgeXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com

Links and Resources:

Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe, UK

Hellfire Club

Marlowe town

Heritage sites

Sir Francis Dashwood

Chilterns

West Wycombe Village and Hill


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