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HUNDREDS of spooky "witch marks" have been discovered in a cave once believed to lead to hell.

The eerie etchings were carved into the stone walls of Creswell Crags near Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, the supposed home of Robin Hood.

One of the hundreds of witches' marks found at Creswell Crag near Sherwood Forest
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One of the hundreds of witches' marks found at Creswell Crag near Sherwood ForestCredit: Press Association

Experts believe the newly found symbols are the largest collection of its kind found anywhere in the UK.

Witch marks are thought to have been made to ward off evil spirits rising up from the shadowy underworld beneath the caves.

The chilling discovery was made by Ed Waters and Hayley Clark from the Subterranea Britannica society, which studies and investigates underground places across the country.

They were carrying out a cave tour when they suddenly noticed the extremely rare markings on the wall.

It is believed that the sheer amount of markings and the variance between them is unprecedented in Britain.

Being present at the moment their true significance was revealed will stay with me forever.

John Charlesworth, cave tour leader

John Charlesworth, who was leading the tour when the symbols were found, said: "These witches' marks were in plain sight all the time.

"Being present at the moment their true significance was revealed will stay with me forever.

"This remarkable place continues to give up its secrets."

Some of the most common markings show double VV engravings — thought to be a reference to Mary, Virgin of Virgins.

Markings showing PM also reference the mother of Christ, meaning Pace Maria.

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Other figures are thought to be devices for trapping evil spirits, including mazes and boxes and diagonal lines.

Experts say the marks appear to have been added over time and could indicate a desire to strengthen protection against the underworld.

This may have been a response to evils such as death, unexpected sickness or poor crops in the surrounding area.

The walls and ceiling of the caves are covered in scrawls used to capture evil spirits rising from the underworld below
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The walls and ceiling of the caves are covered in scrawls used to capture evil spirits rising from the underworld belowCredit: Press Association
The creepy discovery was made beneath these rocks in Nottinghamshire
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The creepy discovery was made beneath these rocks in NottinghamshireCredit: Getty - Contributor
Subterranea Britannica, which explores underground places, found the writings during a cave tour
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Subterranea Britannica, which explores underground places, found the writings during a cave tourCredit: Press Association

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