The first part of the cave was certainly known early in the 19th century and probably long before. It used to be thought that the cave had been first opened to the public in 1899, after the discovery of St. Paul’s and the Diamond Chambers; in fact it was shown earlier than that, each new section being opened as soon as it was explored. This account has been based as far as possible on contemporary reports in local newspapers, pamphlets and travel guides.