Kinver rock houses to feature in new TV show
A set of centuries-old rock houses near the Black Country will feature on an upcoming show exploring the National Trust's most remarkable properties.
Programme presenter George Clarke visits the Holy Austin Rock Houses, at Kinver Edge, in the first episode of National Trust Unlocked.
The six-part TV series sees Mr Clarke go behind the scenes at properties owned by the conservation charity and learn about each site's unique history. He is given exclusive access while sites are closed to visitors during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the first episode, he unravels the history of Kinver's red sandstone rock houses, which date back to the 1770s, and the country's last cave dwellers who lived there up until the 1960s.
He speaks to Helen Selkirk, National Trust visitor experience manager, about how the rock houses are "one of Britain’s best-kept secrets".
George said: "I know lockdown has been unbelievably tough for so many people and that’s why I feel honoured and privileged to have been given the most amazing access to show the people of Britain some of the most wonderful buildings, gardens and landscapes we have across the nation."
A staggering 27 million visits are made to the National Trust’s 300 houses and gardens each year, but this all came to a halt in March as tourism sites across the country closed amid the coronavirus pandemic and consequent lockdown.
The gardens and tea rooms at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses are now back open to the public, but visitors need to book in advance.
George added: "I was fascinated by the rock houses. They are unique.
"The history of our architecture tells the stories of our past, both good and bad, and the National Trust grounds and walks have made me realise, now more than ever, just how important our open, green and beautiful spaces are to our happiness, wellbeing and mental health.
"It was an opportunity for me to explore so many properties, like that in Kinver, that I’ve never seen before. It is the most unique series of programmes I’ve ever made."
Kinver's rock houses were acquired by the National Trust in the 1960s before the properties were restored in the 1980s thanks to efforts by Kinver Edge Committee, a local property management group, working alongside the National Trust.
Although the actual rock houses date back 250 years, local parish records indicate some caves on Kinver Edge may have been inhabited as early as the early 1600s.
However the general Kinver Edge site has been inhabited for thousands of years, as revealed by remnants of a hillfort.
The National Trust believes Kinver Hillfort, located on the Edge's natural promontory, dates back to the Late Bronze Period, 1200 BC to 1150 BC.
George Clarke’s National Trust Unlocked airs Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4.
