Above the surface it looks like a normal country cottage, but beneath the building lies something completely different – a nuclear bunker. The only clue from above the surface is a pylon, although beneath the surface various rooms were build to accommodate a team to keep the country running in the event of a nuclear war. Of course, it’s all top secret…
The Kelvedon Hatch bunker was built in 1952–53 as part of ROTOR, a scheme designed to improve the country’s air defence network from a possible Russian attack. The Brentford bunker, built by Peter Lind & Company, is almost 40 metres deep, spanning 3 storeys. After entering through the bungalow, a 100 yard tunnel leads to the main complex. Hundreds of people, including civil servants, scientists and key members of government, would have been based at the site, managing the aftermath of a nuclear blast and communicating with survivors. Rations at the site could have held people in the bunker for 7 days a week over several months. Fitted with its own radio studio, the government could have told surviving members of the public about food and medical supplies available.
The Home Office owned the site up until the early 1990s, and maintained it as a regional Government defence site. It became apparent that the site was no longer fit for purpose, and the site was sold back to the land owners, who owned the site in the 1950’s.
2021 Photographs
2016 Photographs
