Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

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Arzosah
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Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

Post by Arzosah »

Two linkies here:
https://alondoninheritance.com/under-lo ... ar-bunker/
This guy travels the countryside (I think he's retired from his original career) taking photos and exploring sites that his father explored at times during the 20th century. This one starts with an early experience of his own, during a BT apprenticeship.

This is the place he's referring to: http://www.secretnuclearbunker.com/
which I did *not* know about in detail :lol:
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Outdoorsy
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Re: Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

Post by Outdoorsy »

Great article Arzosah, thanks for sharing.

I paid a visit to Kelvedon Hatch just two weeks ago. I live less than 15 miles away, so it's on my radar in the case of SHTF ;) Although having said that, it's not quite so 'secret' any more - there are brown road signs everywhere that read 'Secret Nuclear Bunker'!

VICE did a (somewhat childish) report on it a couple of years ago, but it includes some good photos: https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/avyn ... -essex-591

If you're nearby I'd recommend a visit - it's an impressive feat of engineering and really gives you a feel of what it was like to live with the threat of nuclear war. It's also a good place to pick up some prepping tips, if you're preparing for a nuclear strike (personally I'd rather be vaporised). It's run with minimal staff, so you just park up and walk straight in to the main entrance - feels a bit like you're trespassing!
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korolev
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Location: Land of the South Saxons

Re: Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

Post by korolev »

There's one in Sotland, at Anstruther, which would have been where the big-wigs went in case of Nuclear Attack. We visited in 2012 and it was fascinating. https://www.secretbunker.co.uk/

I also got to visit one in Brighton, under the main shopping centre (quite a long way under) in about 1984, that was a lot smaller than the Anstruther or Kelvedon ones but still interesting.
Arzosah
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Re: Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

Post by Arzosah »

Is the Brighton one stll open, korolev, or was that a one off? I've been on the sewer tour, but never heard a whisper about a bunker!
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Deeps
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Re: Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

Post by Deeps »

korolev wrote: Tue Aug 07, 2018 8:21 pm There's one in Sotland, at Anstruther, which would have been where the big-wigs went in case of Nuclear Attack. We visited in 2012 and it was fascinating. https://www.secretbunker.co.uk/

I also got to visit one in Brighton, under the main shopping centre (quite a long way under) in about 1984, that was a lot smaller than the Anstruther or Kelvedon ones but still interesting.
I've been to the one at the back of Crail/Anstruther, was interesting. I've been lucky/unlucky enough to work down Pitreavie, Northwood and Whitehall. Even kipped down all three at different times. Didn't even scratch the surface of Whitehall really, that's huge.

When you work there it becomes the norm and you take it for granted, they're just offices/compartments without windows. I would like a cellar though, maybe just for old times sake. :lol:
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Captain Darling
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Location: 1st star on the left, straight on till morning.

Re: Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker

Post by Captain Darling »

There's also the same bunker outside Hull, one in Essex and the same 'bungalow' and guardoom set up is a petting zoo on the isle of Portland.

They have no idea what's underneath I imagine.
Cutting, combustion, cordage, container, cover.