Linley Caverns

[stevepowell]

I have been watching with great interest, over the last couple of years, the diving that has been taking place within the old limestone workings at Linley, Walsall. I have, for a number of years now, been working on a publication on the history of the mines of Walsall. I would like to include the exploration activities undertaken by the diving community to supplement my own surface explorations and underground explorations in the early 1990's. I am after any information, surveys, personal experiences, especially to the archaeology that may lie beneath the water. I have already completed two successful publications on similar themes - "Dudley Limestone Mines" and "Subterranean Shropshire". People wishing to contribute towards a chapter of my new book, please get in touch and send information or contact steven.powell@sky.com

I also have a reference that some diving took place at Daw End/Linley in 1965 by universal divers. Are they still in existence or does anyone know of anyone that was on this particular team?

Thanks for taking an interest and I would appreciate any help that can be given.

Those of us in the states who are unfamiliar with this location can go to http://www.serve.com/scmc/dudleyst.html .

[Duncan Price]

I also have a reference that some diving took place at Daw End/Linley in 1965 by Universal Divers. Are they still in existence or does anyone know of anyone that was on this particular team?

Universal Divers were a team of commercial divers brought in by the local council to inspect the workings. Their dive involved being lowered down a shaft and swimming around a rock pillar.

There are extensive records at the British Geological Survey in Keyworth. Also the site is mentioned in several books on underground munitions stores during WW2 though Linley was never actually used for this purpose despite being converted.

I have emailed you with more information.