The Margate shell grotto was discovered in 1835. It is believed that the number of shells used to be around 4.6 million. However, no one knows who built the shell grotto. So, the date of construction is unknown. The Shell Grotto opened to the public in 1837 and has remained a privately owned attraction since. As yet, no documents that mention the Grotto and predate its discovery have been found: no correspondence, no maps, nothing to date the construction of the Grotto beyond doubt. Some people call it a magical place or think they are stepping into another world. Some legends believe this place was built by a rich man for a secret hideaway; however, no one knows for sure.
So, for the time being, theories on the Grotto’s origins are just that: theories. We do not know who made it, when, or why. This drawing first appeared in the 1950s and was accompanied by a key to the symbolism in some of the panels. This has been added to NORTH PASSAGE and amended by subsequent research. Some definitions have stuck for many decades; some have altered. The guide, below right, shows some of the interpretations. These are subjective—you may see something different! There is also a theory that there is symbolism in the Grotto to represent a journey: the first panel visible from the north 60 This wall was destroyed by a bomb during World War II. Passage No. 9 is generally referred to as Birth.
The rest of the Rotunda contains flowering forms and, in some opinions, phalluses. Moving through the Serpentine Passage, you pass a skeleton and numerous supposed before arriving in the Altar Room with its stars, suns, and moons. So you arrive at birth, walk life’s path, pass through death, and your journey ends at the celestial afterlife. The Shell Grotto design didn’t match any historical or religious style. So, who built this fascinating place? The most asked question, but no records are found anywhere. Some think it’s a place for worship or rituals.
If you are a traveler or adventure seeker, don’t miss Margate Shell Grotto; it’s a place full of mystery and wonder. Moreover, children also like this place, as it looks like a fairy tale. It is a historically important site and listed as a Grade I site. Now it’s the visitors and local people’s responsibility to clean this place to save it for future generations.
Shell Grotto, Grotto Hill, Margate, Kent CT9 2BU 01843 220008 www.shellgrotto.co.uk
A GUIDE TO SELECTED PANELS
1 Turtle OR Vishnu Turtle/Creation of Life
2 Aries OR Owl Face
9 Birth & Womb & Umbilical Cord
14. Phallus OR Mushroom
16 Fleur de Lys Or Squid
18 Tortoise & Tortoise
20 Perseus & Stars of Perseus
29 God Ganesha Or Yin Yang symbol
32 Anchor of Hope & Anchor of Hope
55 Growing Tree OR Tree of Life
56 Bacchus & Scorpion OR Cuttlefish & Crocodile
57 Canoe & Paddle OR Corn Goddess
58 Ankh & Ankh
61 Skeleton & Skeleton
