Join Nothe Fort in marking the Cold War Network Heritage Week with special tour of the Fort’s Cold War Nuclear Bunker on Saturday 17 May!
Learn about the secret system that was put in place during the Cold War era that enabled a select number of people to survive a nuclear strike.
In 1983, unbeknown to the local community, part of Nothe Fort was secretly converted into a local authority emergency centre as part of the UK’s defence preparations for nuclear war.
Accommodation, control, and operations rooms were created for local council employees who would have taken control of disaster relief and reconstruction of local infrastructure in the event of a nuclear war.
The existence of the centre was known by very few people at the time and knowledge of its existence is still limited today.
Andy Sherlock, son of John Sherlock, Deputy Borough Engineer assigned to staff the Nothe Fort nuclear bunker, recorded memories of this time growing up in the shadow of the Cold War.
“I remember dad coming home – I was about eight or nine – sitting us down around the dining table, showing us leaflets, which I know were “Protect and Survive”, and explaining to us what would happen if a bomb was dropped.
We had to make a shelter under the stairs, putting things like mattresses and things on top of the stairs. And all I could think was, well, that’s where our hoover is.”
Nuclear Bunker Talks
Talks led by ‘Bunker Matt’ will be in the Engine Room downstairs at 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:00pm. Book your Talk ticket on arrival at the Shop desk.
Come and join our friendly and knowledgeable team of volunteers for a unique insight into how this much-loved Victorian fort was secretly utilised during the latter part of the Cold War.
For more information, please contact info@nothefort.org.uk or visit https://nothefort.org.uk
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