South Yorkshire Times May 8,1965
Those tunnels
It would seem that those much-rumoured Conisbrough Castle tunnels are a fact, particularly from photographs shown to the “South Yorkshire Times” this week by the son of a former castle custodian, Mr. Reginald Smith of 5, Pine grove, Conisbrough. Mr. Smith, himself keenly interested in local history and archaeology, was among a party who 30 years ago unearthed the entrance to a tunnel within the castle walls, leading in the direction of Cadeby.
“Out of the question”
But it is not at all likely that the passage was anything like the length formerly suggested. Underground links with Mexborough, Doncaster and even Roche Abbey have been rumoured. “I think it would have been out of the question to have constructed tunnels of that length,” said Mr. Smith. “It would have meant cutting through solid limestone, and in any case, where are the ventilation shafts that would have been necessary? They would surely have been discovered in mineworkings or excavations for present day roads if they existed.
Outside the walls
The passage we uncovered probably led just outside the castle walls, but my father would not let us go down and I’ve always regretted not finding out. We could see that there was stone lining even inside, and by holding an old mirror down in front of the archway at the entry we managed to get a photograph of the carving at the tunnel entrance.” This and another photograph of the site, postcard size, and clearly showing the vertical entry shaft, were handed to the “South Yorkshire Times”. Unfortunately, they would not reproduce successfully.
Was filled in
After the excavations by Mr. Smith and his father the shaft was filled in but the top stone edging is still visible in part. It was pointed out to the writer by the present custodian Mr. Reginald Ames. One of these stones has a bevelled edge very similar to those found at other points in the castle. Mr. Ames believes this could indicate the tunnel was used for the disposal of refuse, and may not, after all, have been an exit for the inhabitants. In fact, scorch marks were found on the entrance stone work during the pre-war excavation, together with the remains of oyster shells, probably the left-overs from consignments of oysters allegedly supplied to Conisbrough Castle by the monks of Roche Abbey.