
I've wanted to visit Wookey Hole Caves ever since Christmas Day 1986, when I received Doctor Who: Revenge of the Cybermen on video. Starring Tom Baker as the Doctor, the story was part-filmed in the famous show caves, which stood in for Voga - "the legendary planet of gold". And while the "gold" that littered the caves in the story was nothing more than the product of the BBC's design department, plenty of real-life treasures have been discovered in Wookey Hole Caves over the years.
Formed over millions of years, as rainwater percolated through the sedimentary rocks, Wookey Hole Caves and the area surrounding it has been home to humans and animals for the past 50,000 years. Discoveries made here have included prehistoric remains, stone age tools, iron age artefacts, roman coins and pottery, and a 1,000-year-old skeleton.
Although the remains, which were discovered by Herbert E Balch who led excavations there in the first half of the 20th century, belong to a man aged 25-35, they are often claimed to be the bones of the legendary Witch of Wookey Hole who is said to have lived in the caves at the same time.
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Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av Best of British.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Animal Magic
Hilary Middleton recalls a children's author whose tales are still enjoyed today

BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER
BoB's very own Time Lord prepares for an alternative to panto, recalls his early reading choices and having his scenes cut from two cutting edge comedies

Marvels in Miniature
Claire Saul learns about the exquisite works on display at a new exhibition being held at a historic Georgian mansion

The Last Post
Michael Foley witnessed the end of an era

The Box of Delights
Chris Hallam remembers how his Christmas 40 years ago was lit up by a magical television drama

The Queen of Stage and Screen
Chris Hallam pays tribute to actress Dame Maggie Smith

Other 07
Jonathan Sothcott looks at the seven Sir Roger Moore films that you should have in your collection

In the Best Possible Taste
Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett

POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Bob Barton remembers a ghostly train journey, enjoys some wassailing and fulfils a long-held ambition of attending a lawnmower festival

MERCY MISSION
John Greeves recounts the remarkable exploits of Sunderland flying boat T9114