The Flitch of Bacon

Perhaps they had more vivid imaginations than us, but to early visitors squinting by candlelight, this huge stalactite feature resembled half a pig - a flitch - hanging in a butcher's shop.

At just under 2m (6.5ft), the Flitch is the largest stalactite in Derbyshire and would have been even longer had 19th-century vandals not seen fit to throw rocks and break off the tip. Such a feature would have taken tens of thousands of years to form, and it rightfully dominates the view down the cave. In 2000, a possible contender for the-missing-end-of-the-Flitch was discovered by cavern manager Alan Walker.

The find is on display in the Visitor Centre, where you can judge Alan's claims for yourself.