The hidden caves and tunnels of London frequent subjects of tales, with some being genuine, while others fall into the realm of legend. Picture a network of caverns extending 50 miles from the hubbub of London to the shores of Brighton . There were whispers that pirates and smugglers once hauled barrels of rum and boxes of tobacco and lace through these subterranean channels straight to London's elite, bypassing import duties.

But is there any truth to such a fantastic narrative? Indeed, at least some elements are factual. The existence of the caves was mentioned in an 1880 issue of the Croydon Review and Timetable.

An article titled "Haunted" penned by an unnamed writer, referred to the caves as "shudderus" - suggesting they were exceptionally eerie. Within the tale, it is claimed

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