A restored rock house built inside a cave has opened at a National Trust property in Staffordshire. The Kinver Rock Houses date from 1770. One has been restored to show what life was like for residents in the 1930s. At its height 11 families lived in the cave homes and it is believed they came about in response to a housing shortage for employees of the Hyde Iron Works. The restored home will tell the story of typical rock residents such as the Reeves who lived there until 1937. Internal dimensions When the last two families moved out in the late 1950s the 11 homes began to fall into disrepair. The National Trust bought the complex of rock homes in the mid 1960s, each comprising a bedroom and separate living area. In 1964 the trust paid £113 and 19 shillings for one of the rock homes. Three levels of homes were constructed in the rock. None of them had electricity or running water or toilets. Families shared an outdoor privy. Three homes on the bottom tier were restored and opened to the public in the 1990s.
