Discovered by accident in 1838, debate has raged over the Grotto ever since. Even the truth about its discovery is shrouded in mystery.

After over 200 hours, artist Paul Hazelton has completed a full-scale mural of the Grotto's original East Wall, replicating with paint the large section of shell mosaic which was completely destroyed by a WWII bomb.

A transcript of an article from the Kentish Mercury, 12 May 1838 - the first ever recorded reference the Shell Grotto.

A transcription of Victorian novelist Marie Corelli's 1885 article about the Grotto entitled 'One of the World's Wonders'.

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We’re incredibly saddened by the death of Chris Pearson, who died on 13 February at the age of 68. Chris served as archivist and researcher for both the Shell Grotto and the Margate Caves, and was a generous friend to many. Chris had been working on compiling and digitising the Shell Grotto archive for a number of years. Shell Grotto owner Sarah Vickery says: “Chris was an absolute treasure and something of a gift from the gods - a kind, generous and gentle soul. He just love