Around 1740 William Troward excavated the chalk mine that became known as Manston Caves. The chalk was mixed with locally obtained manure and used as a fertiliser on the surrounding farmland.

Troward was described as “…an eccentric bachelor…” who was known for his good works for the poor. The site seems to have had unrestricted access after mining ceased and was well known in the area, as by 1781: ‘…they were much frequented of late by parties who brought their wine and provisions hither in order to enjoy this cool retreat’
The entrance to the caves had been carved into an elaborate arch of ecclesiastical proportions: an unnecessary but pleasing addition to a simple chalk mine. This was probably viewed as proof of Trowards eccentricity.

Like many chalk miners in Thanet, Troward excavated his tunnels too near the surface with insufficient cover to prevent frost and rain damage. Consequently by the 1780s a large portion of the caves had fallen in. A sketch of the entrance was published in 1812 which suggests that they were still open at that time but after a few years more serious falls occurred and the entrance became blocked. By the mid 19th century the site had been backfilled.

The 19th century description of the location is somewhat vague: ‘In a field by the side of the road at the extreme end of the village by a small farmhouse is a cavern called Manston Cave’ but a study of old maps and plans would place the quarry at around TR 344 657 inside the boundary of Kent International Airport just to the west of Bush Farm. Modern maps and aerial photographs show no trace. (1)

<1> Kent Underground Research Group, 2010, Email concerning Manston Caves (Verbal communication). SKE16081.