As World War Two intensified, Surrey Council Council ordered four deep shelters to be built. These big underground complexes could accommodate hundreds of civilians in the event of an air raid. This shelter was built within the grounds of the now demolished Cane Hill Asylum, so presumably would have been available for both local residents and staff/patients.
After the war the shelter became obsolete so it was sold to Cox, Hargreaves and Thomson Limited, who produced telescope lenses. The tunnels should have provided an ideal environment with a constant temperature however the cold and damp atmosphere actually had an adverse effect, causing equipment to rust, so it was sold in the early 70’s. A garage took ownership of the site before encountering the same problem, so it was used as a dumping site for old car parts before being left abandoned and sealed by the council.
Explored with Matt & James.
Source: Subterranean History
