The Apothecary’s Caves

The entrance to the Apothecary’s Caves was found when a new stairway was being constructed from Clayton’s Yard into the basement of 52 Bridlesmith Gate. Whilst clearing the debris beneath this stairway a sandstone floor was revealed and three stairs were observed leading down towards a bricked up arch. When the bricks were removed, the ‘modern’ cement floor of the basement was revealed. A one metre section of the floor next to the south wall of the basement was removed to reveal another straight sandstone staircase leading down into a rectangular cave.As with the Domed Cave System, the Apothecary’s Caves are situated below number 52 Bridlesmith Gate – the Office shop.
Some of the items which were found in the Apothecary’s Caves are shown below:
A child’s alphabet cup (early 20th century)
Felspathic glazed stoneware beer bottle of R. Ragg Nottingham (mid 19th century)
Large acid bottle with a label marked AC NITROS.
Chemist’s glass vessel