HELLFIRE CAVES

Descend the grand staircase once trodden by aristocrats and outlaws and stand beneath the soaring arches of the Banqueting Hall— the notorious hear of Sir Francis Dashwood’s secret society.

Hellfire Caves

​Located less than an hour from London, the Hellfire Caves lie beneath the grounds of West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire. Commissioned between 1748 and 1752 by Sir Francis Dashwood, co-founder of the notorious Hellfire Club, the caves were excavated to provide chalk for road construction and to alleviate local unemployment during a period of agricultural decline. ​

These man-made chalk and flint caverns extend over a quarter of a mile into the Chiltern Hills, featuring chambers such as the Banqueting Hall and the Inner Temple, the latter situated approximately 300 feet beneath St. Lawrence's Church. The caves served as a secluded venue for the Hellfire Club's gatherings, which were rumored to involve unconventional rituals and libertine activities, contributing to their enduring mystique. ​

West Wycombe Park, a prime example of Palladian architecture, was developed by Sir Francis Dashwood in the mid-18th century. The estate reflects his eclectic tastes and fascination with classical design, featuring a series of follies and temples scattered throughout the landscaped gardens. In 1943, Sir John Dashwood gifted West Wycombe Park to the National Trust, ensuring its preservation. The Dashwood family continues to reside there, maintaining the estate's historical legacy.