Two sinkholes in Godstone, Surrey, prompt evacuations. An old map suggests mine collapse link to road damage.
Experts are trying to determine the cause, while locals worry about the potential for more sinkholes and don’t know when they can return to their homes.
One theory suggests the collapse of an old sand mine. London needed sand in the past, sourcing it from beneath the village, sand that was even used to floor Westminster Hall. A map from 1872 shows a mine entrance near the sinkhole, a detail shared by geologist Andrew Farrant, suggesting a link to the road collapse.
Two old mines exist nearby, to the east of the road collapse. One mine stretches about 100 meters under some allotments. Other unrecorded mines might also be present.
A leaking pipe could weaken the ground, potentially causing a mine to fail. It’s possible mine roof broke first, which then damaged a water pipe, leading to the sinking.
A cave network also lies beneath the village, some say these caves stretch for eight miles, sitting about 80 to 200 feet deep. During the Blitz, the Home Office considered using the caves as shelters. A news report from 1879 told a similar story of a van falling into a hole on the same road while installing a water supply; fortunately, both the horse and driver survived.
Sarah Jones, whose daughter planned to buy a house in the area, visited the site and was surprised by what she saw. The sale might not happen due to the sinkholes. She joked about the timing, suggesting they should now seek a price reduction.
One local blames people from London for taking too much rock. He claimed London buildings used Godstone stone and that they took sand but left behind waste.
Shane Fry, who runs a garage near the sinkhole, wants to keep his business open. He remembers when the hole appeared and says some people watched it happen, displaying more curiosity than fear. People have started calling the village “Godshole”.
Business owners are now very worried, as the road closure, potentially lasting six months, will hurt them. Shane hopes his customers will stay loyal and that things don’t worsen. He believes Godstone is a great place with a supportive community, and he hopes they can continue to work there. He doubts they will get answers soon.
Roger Morel, a 22-year resident, had no water after the hole appeared and believes this was predictable. He cites years of water pipe issues. He said caves weaken the ground and Heavy trucks drive on the old roads too. Some roads of the 15th century can not handle such heavy weight. People worry about more sinkholes. He wants a weight limit for trucks.
Council staff said it’s too dangerous to move cars; one car was close to the edge. John Thomas, who lives near the sinkholes, said caves exist under his allotment. Engineers showed him the holes, revealing how close they were, and he recognizes the caves as a cause for worry.
Investigation continues to learn the cause Also, they need to know the damage extent. After it is safe, they will fix it. Five families still need housing. One father had to sleep in his car.
David Hedley suggests climate change could cause more collapses. Extreme weather causes ground issues. Sinkholes have appeared in other places, too. The risk is heightened by soft clay soil, which covers a significant portion of the Southeast.