#Nuclear #War #NuclearWar #UK

UK Cold War nuclear bunkers have been decommissioned and are no longer in active service. Some have been repurposed or sold off, while others have become museums open to the public.

Notable examples include Kelvedon Hatch, York Cold War Bunker, and the Central Government War Headquarters (Burlington Bunker). 

Here's a more detailed look at some decommissioned UK bunkers:

• Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker:

  This large underground bunker in Essex was designed as a potential regional government headquarters during the Cold War. It is now a museum open to the public. 

• York Cold War Bunker:

  This bunker, also known as the "Northumbria" bunker, was a regional Civil Defence headquarters and is now owned by English Heritage and open to the public. 

• Central Government War Headquarters (Burlington Bunker):

  Located in Corsham, Wiltshire, this was the UK's largest underground bunker, designed to house the emergency government in the event of a nuclear attack. It is now derelict. 

• Other notable decommissioned bunkers:

  • Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker: A former regional government headquarters, now a popular museum with a large display of decommissioned nuclear weapons. 

  • Region 6 War Room: A former civil defense bunker that has been partially opened to the public. 

  • The Bunker At Trafford Town Hall: A Cold War monitoring post that has been repurposed. 

  • Aldwych Station: A former underground railway station that was converted into a deep shelter. 

• Many of the smaller "listening posts" or monitoring stations

  built by the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) have also been decommissioned and sold off, some even repurposed as mobile phone masts. 

• Some bunkers, like the one in Ballymena, Northern Ireland,

  have been traced to continue functioning or have been kept in a state of readiness. 

The UK built underground bunkers using a variety of methods, from repurposing existing structures like London Underground stations to excavating and constructing new bunkers, often using locally available materials and techniques. Bore hole testing was crucial for understanding soil composition and water table levels, ensuring structural integrity. Some bunkers were built to accommodate large numbers of people, while others were designed for a small number of personnel.

Here's a more detailed look at the different approaches:

1. Repurposing Existing Structures:

London Underground Stations:

During World War II, Londoners sought refuge in the Tube's underground tunnels and platforms, leading to the adaptation of stations with bunks, first aid facilities, and canteens.

Shadow Factories:

To maintain wartime production, the UK built underground factories (also known as shadow factories) away from cities, using the Drakelow Tunnels as an example.

2. Excavating and Constructing New Bunkers:

Material Choices:

Bunkers were built with locally available materials like lumber, sand, gravel, and rocks, with concrete also being used when available.

Structural Design:

Engineers carefully considered soil type and water tables, using bore hole testing to determine the best construction methods. Bunkers needed to be strong enough to withstand pressure from the surrounding soil and potential impacts.

Example: Kelvedon Hatch:

A large underground bunker, built beneath a nondescript bungalow, served as a potential regional government headquarters during the Cold War, according to The Telegraph.

Example: Central Government War Headquarters (CGWHQ):

A massive 35-acre complex located 120 feet underground, served as the UK's alternative seat of power during a nuclear conflict.

3. Specific Examples of Underground Bunkers:

Anderson Shelters:

During World War II, these were simple, prefabricated shelters designed for individual homes, made from steel and corrugated iron, according to Wikipedia.

Government Command Posts:

Some bunkers were designed for specific military or government operations, with features like reinforced walls, Faraday cages to protect electronics from electromagnetic pulses, and communication systems, according to a video on YouTube.