28 – Unearth a Hidden World Beneath Your Feet
As you continue along Melbourn Street, look out for the archway to Katherine’s Yard. Beneath it lies something truly unique, Royston Cave. This bell-shaped, man-made chamber is filled with mysterious medieval carvings that continue to intrigue historians. The cave is open to the public on weekends from Easter to the end of September and on Wednesday afternoons during August. Amazingly, it’s one of only two subterranean Grade I Listed buildings in all of England.
And don’t miss the barn in Katherine’s Yard itself, it proudly displays a reproduction carving of St. Katherine with her spiked wheel, echoing the cave’s artistic heritage.
29 – Royal Footsteps and Historic Taverns
At the junction with Kneesworth Street, glance to the corner where a modern bank stands. This very spot was once home to none other than Charles, Prince of Wales, later King Charles I, who lived here while his father’s court resided in Royston.
Just across the street, an island of land marks the former site of the Crown pub, demolished in 1929 for road widening. Nearby stood another historic drinking spot, the Crown & Dolphin, a name believed to be a local twist on Crown & Dauphin, referencing King James I and his son Charles.
30 – Along Historic Kneesworth Street
Turning right onto Kneesworth Street takes you through an area steeped in Jacobean history. Most of the narrow street’s buildings date from the reign of King James I (1603–1627), whose court often stayed in Royston while he pursued hunting on the heath.
The building now home to the Conservative Club once served as the headquarters of the King’s equerries.
The local fish and chip shop? That was once the royal buttery, supplying the King’s kitchens.
Look for two prominent half-chimneys jutting into the footpath, these mark the centre of King James’ Palace, his grand hunting lodge.
